Another Young Woman Disappeared at the Classic Factory in Jordan Sewing Jeans for Wal-Mart

August 15, 2012

Workers fear that 20-year-old Ms. Nazma may have been kidnapped, raped and either murdered or sold into the sex trade. Nazma disappeared on Wednesday morning, August 8, 2012, and has not been heard from since. She sewed blue jeans for Wal-Mart.

Anowara: Testimony of Yet Another Rape Victim

September 15, 2011

‎"[...] He said, if you try to do anything now, I‘ll kill you right here. …After all the struggling, I was crying, I was crying a lot… he violated me." Anowara was raped in early June 2008 and came forward to tell the truth in August 2011.

Yet Another Rape Victim Comes Forward at Classic Sweatshop in Jordan

September 14, 2011

U.S. Companies Hide Behind Jordanian Government Whitewash of Rape Allegations.

Enormous Media Coverage on Classic Sweatshop in Jordan

September 9, 2011

The AP articles have been widely distributed. The article was picked up by major media in the U.S. as well as media in Canada, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Germany, Bangladesh, India, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and so on.

Response to Flawed “Investigation”—Cover-up of Classic Sweatshop by the Jordanian Government’s National Center for Human Rights

September 8, 2011

The Director of Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, Charles Kernaghan, responded to the flawed "investigation" by the National Center of Human Rights in Jordan.

AP: "Rape Case Turns Focus to Jordan's Factory Problems"

September 7, 2011

According to an AP article of 7 September 2011, "Rape Case Turns Focus to Jordan's Factory Problems," the Jordanian sweatshop owner blames U.S. unions and the state of Israel for his factories' problems.

This Labor Day—Stand up and stop the rapes at Wal-Mart, Hanes and Sears supplier in Jordan

August 30, 2011

More rapists emerged at Classic Sweatshop; more trouble and abuse occurred in Jordan. Please ask Queen Rania and Princess Basma to intervene to stop the sexual abuse and gross violations.

Corporate Audits Are Designed To Fail

August 6, 2011

What is it that Wal-Mart, Target, Hanes, Macy's and the other corporations cannot understand about the sexual abuse of young women at the Classic sweatshop in Jordan?

Wal-Mart, Hanes, Target, Macy's say there are no rape victims at Classic in Jordan

August 5, 2011

A giant whitewash is in the making. Wal-Mart, Hanes, Target, Macy's, Kohl's and Lands' End appear to be joining forces with the Jordanian Government to declare that there are no rape victims at the Classic sweatshop factory.

Investigation Stalls at Classic Fashion in Jordan: An Open Letter To the Apparel Companies Sourcing Production at Classic

July 28, 2011

In addition to rape victim testimonies, the investigation at Classic must also focus on alleged accomplices as well as other evidence and the alleged serial rapist, Anil Santha, must be required to take a polygraph test.

One Woman Can Change the World / Ending Corporate Greed

July 22, 2011

26-year old Bangladeshi woman, “Nazma,” has found the courage to testify about how she was raped by her boss, Classic factory general manager Anil Santha, while sewing clothing for Hanes, Target, Macy's and Wal-Mart.

Young Bangladeshi Woman Raped at Wal-Mart and Hanes Supplier in Jordan

July 22, 2011

Read Nazma's testimony below and you will know everything about the gross human and women's rights abuses at the Classic factory.

Trail of the Serial Rapist: Comments in Sri Lankan Press

July 14, 2011

Take a look at comments on Sri Lankan news websites to see Sri Lankans' reaction and former workers' testimonies.

WANTED: Anil Santha

July 13, 2011

Hanes and Target Linked to Sexual Abuse in Classic Factory in Jordan

June 24, 2011

Please read the testimony of "Nazma" and call Hanes. Ask them to move aggressively to remove the accused rapist Anil Santha and to make sure no young woman is every again abused in the Classic factory.

WSJ Article on Abuse at Apparel Makers in Jordan

June 20, 2011

Wall Street Journal article on the widespread sexual abuse of young woman worker at Wal-Mart and Hanes suppliers in Jordan

Update-Abuse of Young Women at Wal-Mart Supplier in Jordan

June 14, 2011

Workers Testimonies on Sexual Abuse in Wal-Mart's Supplier Classic Fashion

June 14, 2011

Three more testimonies from workers at Classic Fashion in Jordan

Sexual predators and serial rapists run wild at Wal-Mart supplier in Jordan

June 9, 2011

It appears that PR Newswire has collapsed under pressure from Wal-Mart and GAP, and is starting to take down our press release. Please tell Wal-Mart to immediately end the sexual abuse, rape, torture, and beatings of the young women guest workers at the Classic Factory in Jordan.

Imprisoned Galaxy Workers –sewing clothing for Wal-Mart—are freed!

January 5, 2011

The Institute for Global Labour & Human Rights in collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Labor freed five guest workers who had been imprisoned under false charges while working at the Galaxy Fashion factory in the Al Hassan Industrial Park in Jordan.

Update--Improvements at Classic Factory in Jordan, producing for U.S. Companies

November 29, 2010

In response to an October 2010 Institute/NLC report documenting illegal sweatshop conditions at Jordan's largest garment factory, Classic Fashion Apparel, workers report some significant improvements. Classic sews garments for Wal-Mart, Hanes, Macy's and others.

Update--Violent attacks and threats continue at Galaxy Factory in Jordan; Workers desperate for help

November 29, 2010

Five garment workers have been imprisoned on trumped up charges. Galaxy's owner threatened all the workers to sign a clearly concocted letter insisting that Galaxy is a "good factory" and that "there are no problems." Those who refused to sign the letter would be jailed just like the other imprisoned workers.

A. Urgent—4 Workers Arrested at Galaxy Sweatshop in Jordan

November 24, 2010

Four workers, Rabiul, Badol, Jashim and Manik, have been arrested for protesting brutal labor conditions at Galaxy factory, which produces for Wal-Mart, Hanesbrands, Macy's, GAP/Banana Republic, and Kohl's.

B. Updates--Gross Worker Rights Violations Continue under US-Jordan FTA

November 24, 2010

An interesting exchange, including a letter we received last night from the managing director of the Galaxy Apparel factory in the Al Hassan Industrial Zone in Irbid, and the workers' response to management's claims

C. Are Corporate Audits Designed to Fail? Classic Workers Respond To Better Work Jordan’s Monitoring Report of October 25, 2010

November 10, 2010

Indian, Nepalese and Sri Lankan workers at Classic Fashion found the monitoring report has little credibility, questioned corporate audits, and denounced violations at Classic Fashion.

D. Indian, Nepalese and Sri Lankan Workers Denounce Violations at Classic Fashion

November 10, 2010

Letters from Indian, Nepalese and Sri Lankan workers at Classic Fashion

E. Gross and Illegal Sweatshop Conditions at Classic Subcontractor: Galaxy Factory, Jordan

November 10, 2010

Wal-Mart, Hanes, Macy’s labels sewn under illegal and abusive conditions

F. Human Trafficking in Jordan

November 10, 2010

For nearly three years, Jordanian Government has blocked the entry of any further Bangladeshi workers in response to Bangladeshi guest workers' open denunciation of labor and human rights violations at Jordanian factories. This ban has recently partially been lifted. Young Bangladeshi women are allowed to work in the garment factories, but not men.

Testimony by Charles Kernaghan on the proposed Canada-Jordan FTA

October 18, 2010

Charles Kernaghan testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade on the proposed Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement.

Testimony by Tim Waters on the proposed Canada-Jordan FTA

October 18, 2010

Tim Waters, Political Director of the United Steelworkers Union, testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade on the proposed Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement.

Three Thousand Workers Strike in Jordan Sewing for Wal-Mart and Other Companies

December 14, 2007

Trafficked workers suffer violence (including rape) and illegally low wages at the Classic factory in Jordan sewing clothing for Wal-Mart and other companies. (12/14/07)

Press Release: President Obama May Very Well Clean Up The U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement

March 21, 2013

President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry will land in Amman, Jordan on Friday, March 22, for meetings with King Abdullah II of Jordan. After 11 years of failure under the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, President Obama is moving quickly to end the abuse.

[Daily Destiny, Bangladesh] 25 Bangladeshi women workers are killed in Jordan in two years

August 10, 2012

"Daily Destiny" newspaper in Bangladesh reported that in the past two years, 25 Bangladeshi women workers in Jordan's apparel export industry have been kidnapped, raped, and killed in Jordan.

[Labor Notes] Labor Protections in Trade Deals Are a Cruel Joke

October 4, 2011

It’s a cruel joke that Democratic politicians are trotting out language about “labor standards” to defend imminent trade agreements with Colombia, Panama—and Korea, which these Korean unionists protested. Experience with previous trade deals makes it obvious global brands like Walmart like the current sweatshop system just the way it is.

[Migrant Rights] Apathy in Jordan: The Classic Fashion Factory Exposed

September 28, 2011

Migrant Rights reports on the gaining momentum of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights’ campaign to elucidate the atrocious working conditions at the Classic factory in Jordan.

[WBEZ Worldview] Jordan firm accused of sexual abuse supplied clothes to Sears, Target and others

September 27, 2011

“Classic, Jordan's largest garment exporter to the U.S., might shut down amidst an international outcry about sexual abuse in its factories.”

[Just-Style] JORDAN: Activists urge action over factory rape claims

September 16, 2011

Activists are stepping up their calls on U.S. brands and retailers including Hanes, Target, Macy's and Sears to take action to protect female workers making their clothes.

[Ecouterre] Fifth Victim Comes Forward at Target, Walmart, Macy’s “Rape Factory”

September 15, 2011

The fifth victim in two years has come forward with her rape testimony. American Retailers have not taken appropriate action, and the Jordanian government’s investigation of the factory has proved incompetent.

[USW@Work] Rape Report Puts Spotlight on Factory Abuse in Jordan

September 15, 2011

The United Steelworkers union reports on the sexual abuse that occurred in Classic Fashions factory in Jordan, which produces for some of the largest brands in the world, such as Wal-Mart and Hanes.

[Press Release] Yet Another Rape Victim Comes Forward at Classic Sweatshop in Jordan

September 14, 2011

“This week, as Classic company management and Jordanian government prepare to publicly deny that there is evidence of the rampant sexual abuse at Classic factory, another rape victim has come forward to give her testimony.”

[Peoples World] Chicago students protest Sears ties to child labor and rape

September 9, 2011

The Youth Labor Committee will be distributing leaflets at their downtown Chicago Sears’ store in hopes that the firm responds and corrects the problem of rape and child labor.

[AP] Jordan rights group: no proof of rape at factory

September 8, 2011

The National Center for Human Rights in Jordan suspected that the Classic Fashions factory rape allegations were malicious and aimed at undermining the factory.

[AP] Rape case turns focus to Jordan's factory problems

September 7, 2011

The AP picks up the story of rampant rape and other rights abuses at the Classic sweatshop in Jordan.

[Catholic San Francisco] Guest worker abuse outrage

September 7, 2011

“Because their families desperately need what little money these workers earn, the women feel compelled to stay and suffer as long as they can endure the pain.”

[AP] Rape case turns focus to Jordan's factory problems

September 6, 2011

An Associated Press reporter visited the Jordan factory, interviewing the alleged rapist and other guest workers, all who denied the reported rape.

[Daily Herald] District 300 students protest Sears

September 3, 2011

A group of District 300 High school students collect signatures to stop Sears’ involvement with Classic Fashions factory in Jordan. Their goal is to raise public awareness so that Sears will be more inclined to take action.

[Change.org] Major Progress in Jordan! Accused Rapist Flees, Public Pressure Forces Investigation

August 31, 2011

Change.org reports on progress at the Classic sweatshop as the accused rapist leaves Jordan. More pressure is necessary to make conditions sufficiently livable.

[Northwest Herald] D-300 students protest alleged factory abuse

August 30, 2011

The Youth Labor Committee seeks "Sears' corporate executives to meet with them and agree to increase transparency over where they source products from."

[Youth Labor Committee] Illinois High School Students Fight Sears’, Land’s End Use of Sexually Abused Factory Workers

August 29, 2011

High-school students in Chicago, near Sears’ headquarters demand action in response to the report of extensive rights abuses and rapes at the Classic sweatshop in Jordan.

[Fresh Outlook] Campaign Calls on Queen Rania to Support Jordan Rape Victims

August 25, 2011

A new campaign on Change.org asks for Queen Rania of Jordan to support the abused guest workers of Jordan because she has been long respected for her commitment to women's rights.

[News Blaze] Viral Campaign Urges Queen Rania to Tweet Support for Jordan Rape Victims

August 25, 2011

“Queen Rania is a leading women's rights advocate and has one of the largest Twitter followings of global female leaders and has spoken publicly about ‘how Twitter can help change the world.’ ”

[Ms. Magazine Blog] Update: Still No Justice for Jordan’s Garment Workers

August 17, 2011

Ms. Magazine follows up on their earlier coverage of the rights abuses at the Classic factory in Jordan.

[Ms. Magazine Blog] Another Jordanian Worker Making U.S. Clothes Alleges Factory Rapes

August 15, 2011

Ms. Magazine reports on the rapes and other workers’ rights violations at the Classic factory in Jordan reported by the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights in June.

[Change.org] Progress! Wages, Working Conditions Improve at Classic Factory

August 12, 2011

Change.org reports on moderate improvements in the working conditions at the Classic sweatshop in Jordan as a result of the report by the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights and its petition on Change.org.

[Women's Wear Daily] Retailers React to Jordanian Factory Allegations

August 9, 2011

[The Nation] Tell Walmart, Hanes, Target, Macy's, Lands' End and Kohl's to Stop Profiting from Rape

August 8, 2011

The Nation covers the case of a spate of rapes at the Classic sweatshop in Jordan.

[Change.org] Ask Target, Macy's and Hanes to Stop Profiting from Rape of Factory Workers

August 4, 2011

Change.org offers suggestions for how to use social media to ask Target, Hanes, and Macy’s to ensure the safety of workers at the Classic sweatshop in Jordan.

[Stephen Lendman] US-Style Free Trade's Dark Side

July 27, 2011

[Huffington Post] Major American Brands Silent on Alleged Rights Abuses At Overseas Factories

July 21, 2011

The Huffington Post offers extensive coverage of rights abuses at sweatshops in Jordan and the silence of American retailers who purchase products from those sweatshops.

[Sunday Leader] Abused Workers At Jordan’s Classic Factories: NGO Responds

July 17, 2011

Workers Don’t Trust Foreign Employment Ministry, Says IGLHR.

[LAKBIMA NEWS] ‘This case will not go away until the rapists are behind bars’

July 6, 2011

[Khaberni] Irbid: Workers forced to leave on a march in protest of an American Report

June 29, 2011

[Sunday Leader] Shock As Alleged Rapist Is Freed

June 26, 2011

[Sunday Leader] The Classic Factory Workers' Nightmare

June 26, 2011

[Change.org] Debt Bondage, Serial Rape Dominates Factory Supplying Walmart, Macy's and Target

June 22, 2011

Change.org summarizes the report by the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights about rape and sexual assault at the Classic sweatshop in Jordan and announces a petition to stop the abuse there.

[Daily Mirror] Factory manager in Jordan arrested on rape charge

June 21, 2011

[RT: Thom Hartmann] Sexual Predators and Serial Rapists Run Wild in Free Trade

June 21, 2011

"One business taking advantage of this new Free Trade agreement was a garment company named “Classic” that specializes in making clothes mostly for Wal Mart - but also Hanes and Kohls and other products. And what goes on behind closed doors at the Classic factory will shock you." --Thom Hartmann, The Big Picture, RT

[Sri Lanka Mirror] Jordan arrests Lankan factory manager over rape charges

June 21, 2011

[LANKAPUVATH] Sri Lankan Garments Manager arrested for rape in Jordan

June 20, 2011

[News Now] Jordan rapist jailed

June 20, 2011

[The Sunday Times] Lankan team in Jordan to probe rape charges

June 20, 2011

"Faizer Mackeen of the Association for the Licensed Foreign Recruiting Agencies (ALFEA) said yesterday the authorities had initially ignored the allegations, but were forced to act following adverse media reports in Sri Lanka and elsewhere."

[Wall Street Journal] Sex Abuse Alleged at Apparel Maker

June 20, 2011

[The Sunday Leader] Minister Seeks Evidence

June 19, 2011

[LAKBIMA NEWS] Sexual abuse, rape, torture of Sri Lankan women garment workers in Jordan

June 16, 2011

[Daily News] Alleged sexual abuse of workers

June 15, 2011

[Yuba Net] Sexual Predators and Serial Rapists Run Wild At Wal-Mart Supplier in Jordan New Report By Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights

June 15, 2011

[Daily Mirror] Jordanian Labour Minister orders investigation in to charges of sexual abuse,torture and rape

June 14, 2011

[Daily Mirror] Ministry Rubbishes Rape Charges

June 13, 2011

[The Jordan Times] Ministry probing allegations of sexual abuse at QIZ factory

June 13, 2011

[The Sunday Leader] Lankans Fear Embassy

June 13, 2011

[Asian News] Sri Lankan women workers face daily rape in Jordanian factory

June 10, 2011

[Daily Mirror, Sri Lanka] Sri Lankan women ‘routinely raped’ in Jordanian factory

June 10, 2011

[Lankasri News] Lankan workers suffer repeated sexual abuse in Jordan

June 9, 2011

[Peace Women] SRILANKA: Sexual Predators and Serial Rapists Run wild at Wal-Mart Suppliers in Jordan, According to New Report by Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights

June 9, 2011

[News Now] Several girls raped

June 8, 2011

[Press Release] Sexual Predators and Serial Rapists Run Wild At Wal-Mart Supplier in Jordan, According to New Report By Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights

June 8, 2011

[United Steelworkers] Say No to Canada-Jordan Free Trade Until Jordan Ends Indentured Labour

October 18, 2010

The United Steelworkers union (USW) pleads with the Canadian Parliament to halt plans to pass the proposed free trade agreement between Canada and Jordan until Jordan can prove its laborers work under fair and legal conditions.