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The Conversation | By Annie Delaney and Rosaria Burchielli | May 21, 2013
"The Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights (IGLHR) specifically requests that firms not withdraw their production from these factories but work with the factories to improve conditions for workers."
Voice of America | By Pamela Dockins | May 16, 2013
In Voice of American Press Conference USA, Charles Kernaghan talked about the significance and impact of an international agreement signed by several top global clothing retailers as well as measures that the government of Bangladesh agreed to implement to improve working conditions in the country’s garment industry in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse.
GlobalNews.ca | By Andrew Russell | May 15, 2013
“It’s an embarrassment for the (U.S) that Wal-Mart, Gap and Hanes won’t go along with the agreement,” said Kernaghan. “Corporate monitoring has never worked in the past and eventually everyone is going to follow (the Bangladesh Accord) because voluntary measures just don’t work.”
Radio Australia | May 14, 2013
As the search for survivors in Bangladesh's collapsed garment factory ends, there is some good news, with the government agreeing to allow workers to form unions without permission from factory owners.
USA Today | By Jayne O'Donnell and Calum Macleod | May 9, 2013
"'This building was clearly a firetrap,' says Charles Kernaghan, director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights."
TheStar.com | By Olivia Ward | May 8, 2013
WUNC North Carolina Public Radio | By TheStory | May 7, 2013
On this edition of The Story, he talks with host Dick Gordon about the string of recent tragedies and the complex web of forces that make change so difficult.
Workers Uniting | May 7, 2013
Workers Uniting, an international union created by Unite the Union and the United Steelworkers union, released a statement on Bangladesh. "Let’s be clear. The companies that flocked to Bangladesh in search of the world’s cheapest labour bear responsibility for this tragedy. The impunity of the multinational apparel brands and government officials and the violation of Bangladeshi workers’ rights must end NOW."
NBC | By Emily Feldman | May 6, 2013
Assistant Director of the Institute, Barbara Briggs, told NBC Bay Area, “These companies ought to pony up and provide compensation to the families to try to at least take care of some of the material needs that they’re going to have for this disaster.” “Longer term,” she added, “we’re all going to have to think long and hard about how we assure the basic safety and most fundamental rights of the workers who make the products that we buy.”
CNN Money | May 4, 2013
Disney pulled out from Bangladesh. "Corporate monitoring doesn't work. We need the right to know which garment is made in which factories, and we need to have laws, enforceable laws, to protect these workers," said Charles Kernaghan.
Toronto Star | By Olivia Ward | May 4, 2013
"Will the Bangladesh catastrophe be a turning point for corporations to revisit and repair the flawed manufacturing system that is a race to the bottom for worker’s safety, working conditions and wages?"
WNUR | By Chuck Mertz | May 4, 2013
Charles Kernaghan discusses Bangladesh factory collapse on WNUR FM89.3 Chicago "This In Hell."
ABC | By Matthew Mosk | May 3, 2013
"'For lots of reasons, this collapse and the enormous death toll has struck a nerve,' said Charles Kernaghan, director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights. 'This has hit like a shock to the garment industry. And it's just not going away.'"
Los Angeles Times | By Emily Alpert | May 3, 2013
"The day before the disaster, 'we refused to go into the building, as big cracks were found in the walls,' a 22-year-old worker named Rebeka told the Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights. 'The following morning, our bosses and Sohel Rana forced us to work.'"
Voice of Russia in London | By Brendan Cole | May 3, 2013
Charles Kernaghan spoke on Voice of Russia on labor conditions in the developing world and corporate as well as consumer responsibility.
CNN | May 2, 2013
CNN cites numbers of Institute research in this inforgraphic: It costs $13.22 to make a denim shirt in the U.S., $4.70 in Bangladesh.
The Globe and Mail | By Susan Krashinsky | May 2, 2013
"The idea that companies were doing better monitoring essentially gave the public permission to stop thinking about where their products come from, said Charles Kernaghan, director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights."
Between the Lines | By Scott Harris | May 1, 2013
In this interview, Charles Kernaghan "examines the role multinational apparel corporations play in the poor working conditions in sweatshops across the developing world which contributed to the tragic loss of life in the Bangladeshi building collapse."
Democracy Now | May 1, 2013
On May Day, Charles Kernaghan joined the morning news of Democracy Now: "The companies are hiding behind these phony codes of conduct that are meaningless. What the workers want are legal rights."
Toronto Media Co-op | By Geordie Gwalgen Dent | May 1, 2013
Joe Fresh Shut Down During Mayday Protest
Forbes | By Clare O'Connor | April 30, 2013
Los Angeles Times | By Emily Alpert | April 30, 2013
"'We were frightened and had no choice but to go in to work,' one of the workers, Jannat, said in a statement published on the Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights website."
Policymic | By Andrea Ayres-Deets | April 30, 2013
MSNBC | By Ned Resnikoff | April 29, 2013
"It is long overdue that the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia and other countries stop relying upon so-called ‘corporate codes of conduct' that are never enforced." - Charles Kernaghan
CBC News Canada | By Andre Maye | April 26, 2013
"Bangladeshi factory collapse renews questions about 'ethical fashion.' According to the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, Bangladesh has the lowest labour costs in the world."
CBC The Current | April 26, 2013
Another catastrophe for workers in Bangladesh. A garment factory collapses and buries hundreds of people. Among the dead are articles of clothing bearing labels many Canadians would recognize. And despite assurances that workers will be better paid and better protected, it remains a poor and dangerous way to make a living.
Daily Mail UK | By Jill Reilly | April 26, 2013
'We want to go inside the building and find our people now:' Bangladeshi police fire tear gas and rubber bullets at anxious relatives as they stormed site of collapsed clothing factory
Radio Australia | April 26, 2013
"The workers in Bangladesh are the best workers in the world... But they don't have any rights. You cannot fight against Walmart when you have no rights, you have no right to have a union, you have no right to organise, you have no right to fight back...We need the Australian government, we need the US government. We have to start to like put some real pressure on these people." -Kernaghan
CNN Money | By Emily Jane Fox | April 25, 2013
"Kernaghan said that workers left the building after seeing a large crack on Tuesday. He said a government official inspected the building and advised workers not to go in. However, when the workers returned Wednesday morning, the building owner said it was safe and that if workers didn't return to work, they wouldn't be paid."
Democracy Now! | April 25, 2013
Democracy Now is joined by two guests: Kalpona Akter, executive director of the Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity, and Charlie Kernaghan, director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights.
Democracy Now | April 25, 2013
"What we need are worker rights. And we don't get those from Wal-Mart. We get those from unions and from union organizing. And Bangladesh is going to have to allow workers to organize independent unions." - Charles Kernaghan
OWTV | By Stephanie Buffamonte | April 25, 2013
Charles Kernaghan spoke to students and professors at SUNY Old Westbury about social injustice in the U.S. and around the world.
The Voice of Russia | April 25, 2013
Voice of Russia host Jamila Bey spoke with Charles Kernaghan, executive director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, to discuss the role that labor and human rights should play in a more just world.
ABC News | By By MATTHEW MOSK (@mattmosk) , ALI MUDANO and KHADIJAH CARTER | April 24, 2013
An eight-story building that housed four garment factories in the capital city of Bangladesh collapsed overnight, killing more than 70 workers, and adding to a rising death toll in a country where well-known American retailers pay dirt-poor wages to make clothing in factories with few of the basic safeguards that are standard in most of the developed world.
Associated Press | By Julhas Alam | April 24, 2013
"'You can't trust many buildings in Bangladesh,' Kernaghan said. 'It's so corrupt that you can buy off anybody and there won't be any retribution.'"
Los Angeles Times | By Emily Alpert | April 24, 2013
Labor rights activists are urging companies that manufacture clothing in Bangladesh to sign on to an agreement that includes building inspections, worker rights training and other reforms.
Reuters | By Serajul Quadir and Ruma Paul | April 24, 2013
Entry level wages in these factories start at 14 cents an hour, said Charles Kernaghan, with the The Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights. The non-profit works with factory workers in Bangladesh and other parts of the world to help better working standards. "The companies will stay in Bangladesh despite all the problems...In China, a comparable wage would be at least $1 an hour," Kernaghan said.
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | 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.
Global Post | By Jason Overdorf | March 21, 2013
Due to hazardous technologies and equipment, as many as a third of agate workers in Khambhat, India die miserable deaths due to silicosis, while polishing gemstones for export to the U.S. and Europe. GlobalPost reported that government bodies and local trade associations such as the Gems and Jewelry Export Promotion Council did not visit Khambhat to address the issue until the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights published a report on silicosis in the agate grinding industry in India in 2010.
GlobalPost | By David Case | March 21, 2013
"Labor and human rights advocate Charles Kernaghan meditates on the world's most dangerous jobs."
Salon | By Jake Blumgart | March 21, 2013
"We've got an international system that is never going to work until there are internationally recognized workers rights standards that become law. What are we going to do with Bangladesh, for example, when the government is dysfunctional. How can you have ethical trading with a country that has no rules?...I can't imagine anything changing, but I do believe that the vast majority of people have a heart and a soul and would love to do the right thing. It's just hard to figure out how to do that." --Charles Kernaghan
Bloomberg Businessweek | By Susan Berfield | March 18, 2013
“Bangladesh needs to make a giant step forward in terms of enforceable labor rights," says Charles Kernaghan, “But when it comes to making the factories safer, this has to be up to the big retailers. It’s at least 50 percent their responsibility.”
WWD | By Karyn Monget and Mayu Saini | March 18, 2013
"From the labor rights camp, Charles Kernaghan, director of The Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, said Wal-Mart has the financial muscle to make Bangladesh clean up its act in the manufacturing arena — if it wants to."
MSNBC | March 15, 2013
Watch the full clip of the United Steelworkers President Leo W. Gerard on The Ed Show on MSNBC discussing Scott Prouty, the man behind the 47% tape, the impact on the 2012 presidential election, and Prouty’s relationship with the Steelworkers, Charles Kernaghan and Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights.
MSNBC | By Ned Resnikoff | March 14, 2013
"He's been doing this work and hasn't gotten the credit that he deserves....I'm happy that I can just bring-just shine a little bit of light on the work he does." Scott Prouty, the man who videotaped Romney's 47 percent remarks in a private fundraiser commented on Institute's director, Charles Kernaghan.
Mother Jones | By David Corn | March 14, 2013
"Many people have asked how they could help. This is one way. I've also said in interviews that if they would like to show their support they can send donations to the SPCA and the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights. These are both groups that I care about." -Scott Prouty
The Ed Show | March 13, 2013
Scott Prouty, the man who videotaped Romney’s 47% remarks at a private fundraiser, speaks publicly for the first time. The Institute’s director Charles Kernaghan joins him.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette | By Alex Zimmerman | February 25, 2013
Charles Kernaghan urges the University of Pittsburgh to join the Worker Rights Consortium.
Sunday Night | By Tim Noonan and Ali Russell | February 17, 2013
The Sunday Night in Australia tells stories about dangerous working conditions at shipbreaking yards in Bangladesh, featuring the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights.
Vogue | By Ella Alexander | February 5, 2013
"Charles Kernaghan, says that 'we are racing backward' in protecting the rights of today's factory garment workers...'Duty-free access should be reserved to reward factories that are serious about respecting local and international labour rights,'"
Women's Wear Daily | By Charles Kernaghan | February 5, 2013
"If labels can be protected by laws backed up by sanctions, why is it that the human being making these garments cannot have similar legal protections?" The Institute's Director, Charles Kernaghan, contributed to the "Think Tank" column in Women’s Wear Daily, a leading newspaper in fashion industry.
Women's Wear Daily | By Mayu Saini | January 30, 2013
"'There are apparently a lot of these sweatshops and subcontracting factories operating in Bangladesh and receiving work from more established factories, which was the case here,' said Barbara Briggs, assistant director at the Pittsburgh-based Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights. 'The question now is, are the labels whose production were there going to take any responsibility?'"
Bloomberg | By Adi Narayan | January 29, 2013
An official in Bangladesh said the Government of Bangladesh lacks staff and resources to oversee its rapidly growing garment industry.
Women's Wear Daily | By Kristi Ellis | January 29, 2013
“There are apparently a lot of these sweatshops and subcontracting factories operating in Bangladesh and receiving work from more established factories, which was the case here,” said Barbara Briggs, assistant director at the Pittsburgh-based Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights. “The question now is are the labels whose production were there going to take any responsibility?”
Women's Wear Daily | By Kristi Ellis and Karyn Monget | January 29, 2013
“The EU has to review their duty-free policies,” Kernaghan said. “They should be limited to factories that obey the law. The EU can talk all they want about upholding freedom of association and workers’ rights. But they should send a significant delegation to Bangladesh to inform the government that in order to keep up this collaboration, workers need to have the basic internationally recognized labor standards. All they have done is talk for the last 20 years and nothing has changed.” - Charles Kernaghan
Bloomberg | By Ben Sills & Arun Devnath | January 28, 2013
After the fatal factory fire, one of Smart Fashion's buyers, Inditex, said it stopped doing business with a Spanish supplier Wonnover and its Bangladeshi sub-contractor Centex and has sent investigators to Smart Fashion factory.
Vogue | By Ella Alaxander | January 28, 2013
"The Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights reports that the workers were crushed as they tried to escape the burning floor, which is located on the second storey of the building."
Women's Wear Daily | By Mayu Saini | January 28, 2013
''It is long overdue that Europe’s major garment labels stand up to guarantee that Bangladesh’s nearly four million garment workers finally have the right to organize an independent union and to bargain collectively,' the Institute said."
ABC | By Matthew Mosk | January 27, 2013
"The Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights reported that the seven women who died were crushed to death as they raced to escape the fire. Two of the women killed were just teenagers, aged 15 and 16, according to the group...Barbara Briggs, assistant director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, said her group also had photographs showing that at the time of the blaze, winter jackets were being sewn for the Inditex line called 'Lefties,' a European label."
Reuters | By Serajul Quadir | January 27, 2013
"International labor rights groups called on Sunday for global clothing retailers to ensure adequate safety measures for garment workers in Bangladesh after a blaze killed seven employees at a small factory."
The New Zealand Listener | By Catherine Woulfe | January 4, 2013
"Many people are finding alternatives to the excessive buying of goods made in dubious circumstances."
The Associated Press | By Allen G. Breed, Anne D'Innocenzio and Scott Mayerowitz | December 11, 2012
A spokeswoman for Wal-Mart said the proposal of a discussed legally binding contract on safety inspection wasn't "financially feasible."
National Catholic Reporter | By Tony Magliano | December 10, 2012
"Because most retail companies put profit above all else, exploited sweatshop workers constantly experience misery -- and sometimes even tragedy."
WBEZ Worldview | December 10, 2012
"The place was a death trap." Charles Kernaghan describes the Tazreen factory fire where 112 workers died and discusses safety and labor rights in the apparel industry in Bangladesh.
WWD | By Kristi Ellis and Mayu Saini | December 10, 2012
“'How is it possible [they] all failed to see the obvious illegal sweatshop conditions at the Tazreen factory over the last two-and-a-half years?' Kernaghan asked. 'If the labels had spoken to even one worker at the Tazreen factory, they would have learned the truth.'”
NOW Magazine | By Adria Vasil | December 6, 2012
"So far, no Furby sweatshop headlines or leaded nose recalls. But its maker, Hasbro, has lots of dirt on its hands. This time last year, the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights issued a report entitled Holidays By Hasbro: Transformers From Hell."
CNN Money | By Emily Jane Fox | November 30, 2012
Fires at a Bangladesh apparel factory that made items for retailers like Wal-Mart and Sears killed 112 workers last weekend.
RT | November 29, 2012
RT includes photos of half burnt pants and shirts of Wal-Mart's Faded Glory, Sean Comb's Enyce, and Dickies. "Labor activists say companies protect their brands legally, but do not provide the same for workers. Director of the Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights, Charles Kernaghan believes nothing will improve until they do."
ABC Australia | November 28, 2012
"Survivors of the weekend clothing factory fire in Bangladesh have told how managers locked them inside the burning building as they tried to flee."
ABC | By Matthew Mosk and Rhonda Schwartz | November 28, 2012
"'Our production manager ... pulled down the collapsible gate on the third floor, forcing us to continue working,' the witness said, according to an account of the Tazreen Factory fire shared with ABC News Tuesday night by Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights."
ABC | By Matthew Mosk and Brian Ross | November 28, 2012
Charles Kernaghan on ABC World News: ""The police and the fire department are confirming that the collapsible gates were locked on each floor. The fire department said they had to come in with bolt cutters to cut the locks...Every single thing about that factory, everything, was illegal." Brian Ross investigates the fire that killed more than 100 workers.
Associated Press | By Julhas Alam | November 28, 2012
"Charles Kernaghan, director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, said nothing will change unless clothing companies protect workers as vigorously as they protect their brands." -AP
Radio Australia | November 28, 2012
Charles Kernaghan spoke on "Connect Asia" of ABC Australia about the factory fire at Tazreen Fashion in Bangladesh. Managers of the Tazreen factory locked workers in after the fire broke out, according to survivors.
UAW | October 24, 2012
United Auto Workers (UAW) union cites the Institute's report on Sensata workers in China. UAW President, Bob King, and others to rally with Illinois Sensata workers against Bain's outsourcing.
AlterNet | By Joshua Holland | October 22, 2012
AlterNet's editor and senior writer, Joshua Holland, spoke with Charles Kernaghan, director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, about what life is like for the Chinese workers in Sensata's existing Chinese plants.
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | October 10, 2012
Is Mitt Romney Pro-Life?...Perhaps. But not when he is investing in China.
The Salt Lake Tribune | By Gene Ulmer | October 10, 2012
"While CEO of Bain Capital, former Gov. Mitt Romney knowingly invested in a brutal Chinese sweatshop, which he described in detail at the same Boca Raton, Fla., fundraising event where he made his 47 percent comment. At its peak, Romney and his Brookside Capital Partners Fund invested $23 million in the Global-Tech sweatshop in Dongguan, China, which he personally visited."
United Steelworkers | October 10, 2012
"The United Steelworkers (USW) released a new video that exposes the truth about how Mitt Romney and Bain Capital are profiting by selling out American workers by shipping U.S. jobs to China."
Common Dreams | By Abby Zimet | October 5, 2012
The Institute's latest reports, "Betting Against American Workers" and "Misery Updated," come in a time when Sensata workers are desperately fighting to save their jobs.
AlterNet | By Lynn Parramore | October 4, 2012
"Far from the respectable businessman he claims to be, Romney has long engaged in horrific practices that mock American values."
Mother Jones | By Andy Kroll | October 3, 2012
"The Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights highlights the dismal working conditions at Global Tech while asking what, if anything, Romney or Bain did to improve those conditions."
United Steelworkers | By Gary Hubbard | October 1, 2012
Leo W. Gerard reacted today to a new global labor rights report that cites Mitt Romney as having “knowingly invested in a brutal Chinese Dongguan sweatshop.”
Global Post | By Alex Pearlman | September 28, 2012
"When he was the CEO of Bain Capital and the president of its affiliated corporations, investments in Global-Tech factories directly contributed to abominable labor practices, records show."
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | September 27, 2012
A new report by the Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights, documents the workers' low pay at the time Romney was substantially invested in the company ($23 million) and the current abysmal conditions and pay at the appliance factory owned by Global-Tech.
In These Times | By Michelle Chen | September 14, 2012
Charles Kernaghan: "They did just what the workers did at Triangle: they started to go towards the exit. The workers tried to get out the exit, and the flames were so great and the smoke was so dense that they had to retreat ... and they tried to go out the fire exits, and the exit doors were locked.”
WWD | By Mahlia S. Lone | September 14, 2012
"The tragic side of fashion has reared its ugly head."
Global Post | By Alex Pearlman | August 28, 2012
"The Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights...alleges that every factory worker in two of the largest textile factories in Bangladesh has experienced some type of abuse, ranging from forced, unpaid overtime to sexual harassment and beatings."
New York Times | By Jim Yardley | August 24, 2012
The Institute's work received New York Times front page coverage on the struggle of Bangladeshi garment workers who sew clothing in the export processing zones for U.S. and European brands including Wal-Mart, Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, Calvin Klein, H&M and others.
Bloomberg | By Tim Culpan and Stanley James | August 22, 2012
"In 2010, Microsoft supplier KYE Systems Corp. (2365) was accused by the National Labor Committee [now Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights] of harsh working conditions that included long hours, child labor and strict quotas for making computer mice for the Redmond, Washington-based company."
The Australian | By Damien Woolnough | August 17, 2012
The label "Mix" owned by Coles in Australia ceased sourcing from Rosita Knitwear and Megatex factories in Bangladesh after the Institute published a report on the factories because conditions at these factories did not "pass the Coles audit process."
Daily Destiny | 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.
CIO | By Grant Gross | July 31, 2012
"The groups call on U.S. officials to put pressure on U.S. companies and on the government of China."
Tech in Asia | By C. Custer | July 31, 2012
"Kernaghan stressed that 'nothing will change in the global economy without enforceable labor rights' and said that it was at least partially the responsibility of corporations like VTech and Apple to push for workers’ rights in China."
Voice of America | July 31, 2012
"Labor activists say worker's rights and labor conditions in Chinese factories continue to deteriorate."
BDNews24 | By Emran Hossain and Mamunur Rashid | July 26, 2012
"'Our children are growing up protein-starved. Even lentils cost Tk 115 a kg and an egg costs Tk 30! Let alone fish or meat.'" Double digit inflation and soaring housing prices worsen lives of 3.5 million garment workers in Bangladesh.
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | By Charles Kernaghan | July 26, 2012
Suppliers to major U.S. brands including Wal-Mart, Hanes, GAP, J.C. Penney, Nike, Levi's and Tommy Hilfiger, implicated in blacklisting of apparel workers in Export Processing Zones in Bangladesh.
Global Post | By Alex Pearlman | July 13, 2012
"Over and over again we see companies have made lovely codes of conducts, but are workers’ rights being respected? No," said Barbara Briggs, the assistant director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights.
The Register | By Phil Muncaster | July 5, 2012
Telco happy after week-long investigation into VTech
The Sun | By Daniel Jones | July 2, 2012
"Electronic learning toys for British kids are churned out by household name VTech in prison-style factories so hellish that workers are driven to suicide."
Register | By Phil Muncaster | June 27, 2012
"Debby Chan, a project officer at Hong Kong-based SACOM, which released several critical reports into abuses at Foxconn factories, argued that successful reform of VTech will require employees to be given a democratic voice in the running of their workplace."
Wired | By Liat Clark | June 27, 2012
"...a series of photos featuring the rotten food, basic dorms and the "employee criminal record" cards speak for themselves."
Mobiledia | By Margaret Rock | June 26, 2012
When improving labor conditions and costs, companies such as Apple are more likely to increase product expenses than absorb the higher labor costs themselves.
Current | By Patrick Avenell | June 25, 2012
Hong Kong-based telephone manufacturer VTech, the company that supplies and distributes Telstra-branded cordless phones in Australia, has issued a detailed response into allegations of appalling working conditions at its mainland China factories.
The Verge | By Joshua Kopstein | June 25, 2012
"The company [VTech] was shown in the report to be engaging in a sweeping list of labor and human rights violations while manufacturing cordless phones and other low-ticket electronics for US companies like AT&T, Motorola, and retail giant Walmart."
Current | By Patrick Avenell | June 22, 2012
“Telstra is deeply concerned by the reports. Compliance with the law is mandatory for all our suppliers and labour misuse is totally unacceptable to us...As a result of this story, Telstra-branded stores have now temporarily suspended sales and rentals of VTech products across Telstra."
"Telstra-branded home phone dealers have been instructed to immediately cease selling the products, manufacturered by V-Tech, and remove the stock from shelves. This follows allegations of "gruelling" and "miserable" working conditions at V-Tech's factories in China."
Gizmodo | By Luke Hopewell | June 22, 2012
"Telstra is reportedly pulling its VTech fixed phones off the shelves today after a report into the factory where the devices are made revealed allegedly appalling working conditions."
ABC Radio Australia | By Liam Cochrane | June 21, 2012
A US-based labour rights group is urging executives from the Australian telecommunications company Telstra to travel to China and confront its phone supplier over working conditions.
Australia Network News | June 21, 2012
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | June 20, 2012
"If I stay any longer, I'm going to jump off our dorm like the Foxconn workers do." "Sometimes I want to die. I work like hell every day for such a dull life. I can't find a reason to live. Given that living is too tiring, seeking death might not be a silly thing!"
ABC Radio Australia | By Liam Cochrane | June 19, 2012
More than 300 garment factories in Ashulia in Bangladesh shut down indefinitely on Saturday, after five days of violent protests against poor pay conditions.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette | By Anna Orso | May 17, 2012
The history and milestones of the Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights are explained — from passing national legislation to exposing the sweatshop conditions of celebrity fashion lines.
La Informacion | By Maher Sattar | May 14, 2012
Al comprobar que los países competidores como China, India y Vietnam son ahora demasiado caros, las marcas extranjeras están acudiendo en masa a Dhaka para aprovecharse de los salarios más bajos del mundo.
Black Book Mag | By Alexandra Phanor-Faury | May 9, 2012
The Anti-Sweatshop movement has gone in and out of style, and sadly is only fully acknowledged by the public when a famous brand or celebrity is at stake.
Global Post | By Maher Sattar | May 1, 2012
The country holds a commanding lead in the "race to the bottom" with the the lowest wages and some of the worst working conditions in the world.
The Sunday Leader | By Maryam Azwer | April 15, 2012
Anil Santha, formerly employed by the Classic Fashion Apparel Industry in Jordan as a manager, has returned to Sri Lanka after facing accusations of rape and sexual harassment.
Sydney Morning Herald | By Adele Horin | April 7, 2012
Australian Supermarket Coles suspended buying from Rosita and Megatex factories as their management was violating almost every Bangladeshi labor law.
Just-Style | By Leonie Barrie | March 15, 2012
“The 5,000 workers at these factories face routine sexual harassment, beatings, corporal punishment, mass firings and imprisonment under false charges.”
Daily Mail | By Damien Gayle | March 14, 2012
“The Bengali factory workers 10p pay means it would take 320 hours' labour to earn enough money for a £32 'multi-stitch' jumper from BHS's Olive and Olivia range.”
The Sun | By Daniel Jones and Lee Sorrell | March 14, 2012
The High Street Chain, BHS, vowed to act as quickly as possible after hearing of the atrocities occurring in their clothing production at the Rosita & Megatex factories.
In These Times | By Josh Eidelson | February 27, 2012
When charged with allegations of abhorrent working conditions in their Foxconn factory, Apple turned to the Apple-funded Fair Labor Association for an easy audit.
Dallas Observer | By Robert Wilonsky | January 6, 2012
ESPN's Outside the Lines picks up the story of Cowboys merchandise production, this time at two Cambodian factories where workers are paid 29 cents an hour.
RadarOnline | By Jen Heger | December 29, 2011
Kernaghan made international headlines when he exposed the news that Kathie Lee Gifford's then popular clothing line was being manufactured in Honduras by children.
Seibertron | December 28, 2011
In response to the Institute’s report, Hasbro had the International Council of Toy Industries inspect the Jet Fair factory in China, and determined that the facility met their requirements.
The Sun | By Daniel Jones | December 22, 2011
ONE of Britain's most popular Christmas toys is produced in a "miserable" sweatshop where workers earn 58p an hour, a new report claims.
Star Magazine | December 21, 2011
Star Magazine covers the Kardashian's sweatshops in China.
PBN | By Kimberley Donoghue | December 20, 2011
The Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights has released a detailed report on the many labor rights violations at the Jet Fair Factory producing for Hasbro Inc.
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | December 19, 2011
Institute released an exposé about Jet Fair Industrial, Hasbro's supplier factory in China, producing Transformers figures.
Catholic News Service | By Tony Magliano | December 12, 2011
The Catholic News Service observes how the global economy has changed very little during the past twenty-five years. Despite a great advocacy on behalf of the Catholic Church in the United States and NGOs like the Institute to issue labor and economic reform, American corporations continue to outsource American jobs and to exploit workers abroad.
Forbes | By Amy Westervelt | December 6, 2011
With the emergence of China as an economic super power in recent years it seems as if the ability for Western countries to demand higher working standards had been reduced considerably. However, as with the case of KYE systems, an electronics supplier in China, it appears that exposure from local watchdogs and NGOs has prompted significant reform to improve the working conditions of Chinese workers.
Neon Tommy | By Cara Palmer | December 4, 2011
Students at the University of Southern California have continued to protest the ten year agreement between the USC and the Dallas Cowboys that will grant Silver Star Merchandising, the Dallas Cowboy’s apparel line, exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute USC college apparel. These protests continue as more reports indicate that Silver Star has repeatedly employed suppliers in Third World countries that violate labor rights.
UWEEKLY @ OSU | By Angie Quach | November 30, 2011
Students protest OSU’s negotiations with Dallas Cowboys over licensing agreement.
The Columbus Dispatch | By Marla Matzer Rose | October 15, 2011
The Columbus Dispatch picks up the story of the fight for workers' rights at a factory used to make Ohio State merchandise in El Salvador.
Dallas Observer | By Robert Wilonsky | October 14, 2011
Contrary to overwhelming evidence, the Dallas Cowboys have denied their merchandise is produced in the Style Avenue sweatshop in El Salvador.
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | October 13, 2011
The Dallas Cowboys and Ohio State University and Wal-Mart are implicated in a sweatshop scandal, producing their licensed goods at an illegal sweatshop in El Salvador, where women are just paid pennies per garment and stripped of their rights.
Labor Notes | By Jeff Ballinger | 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 | 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 | 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 | By Leonie Barrie | 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 | By Brit Liggett | 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.
United Steelworkers | 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.
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 | By Mark Gruenberg | 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.
Associated Press | By Jamal Halaby | 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.
Associated Press | By Jamal Halaby | 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 | By Tony Magliano | 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 | By Jamal Halaby | 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 | By Larissa Chinwah | 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 | By Amanda Kloer | 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 | By Jane Huh | 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 | 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 | By Rosaria Sgueglia | 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 | 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 | By Sarah Richardson | August 17, 2011
Ms. Magazine follows up on their earlier coverage of the rights abuses at the Classic factory in Jordan.
Ms. Magazine | By Sarah Richardson | 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 | By Amanda Kloer | 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.
ecouterre | By Jasmin Malik Chua | August 9, 2011
“In addition to 13-hour shifts at the rate of 61 cents per hour, workers are routinely cursed at, hit, and shortchanged of their wages.”
Women's Wear Daily | By Sharon Edelson | August 9, 2011
AllVoices | By Dava Castillo | August 8, 2011
The Nation | By Peter Rothberg | August 8, 2011
The Nation covers the case of a spate of rapes at the Classic sweatshop in Jordan.
Change.org | By Amanda Kloer | 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 | By Stephen Lendman | July 27, 2011
Huffington Post | By Janell Ross | 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.
The Sunday Leader | By Maryam Azwer | July 17, 2011
Workers Don’t Trust Foreign Employment Ministry, Says IGLHR.
LAKBIMA NEWS | By Namini Wijedasa | July 6, 2011
Khaberni | June 29, 2011
The Sunday Leader | By Easwaran Rutnam | June 26, 2011
The Sunday Leader | By Maryam Azwer | June 26, 2011
Change.org | By Amanda Kloer | 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 | June 21, 2011
Thom Hartmann Program | By Thom Hartmann | 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 | June 21, 2011
LANKAPUVATH | June 20, 2011
News Now | By Easwaran Rutnam | June 20, 2011
The Sunday Times | By Leon Berenger | 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 | By Miguel Bustillo | June 20, 2011
The Sunday Leader | By Maryam Azwer | June 19, 2011
MrZine | June 18, 2011
LAKBIMA NEWS | By Padmini Matarage | June 16, 2011
Daily News | June 15, 2011
Yuba Net | June 15, 2011
Daily Mirror | June 14, 2011
Daily Mirror | June 13, 2011
The Jordan Times | By Hani Hazaimeh | June 13, 2011
The Sunday Leader | June 13, 2011
Asia News | By Melani Manel Perera | June 10, 2011
Daily Mirror | June 10, 2011
Lankasri News | June 9, 2011
Peace Women | June 9, 2011
News Now | By Easwaran Rutnam | June 8, 2011
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | By Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights | June 8, 2011
Forbes.com | By Bradley Brooks | May 28, 2011
AutoInformed | By Ken Zino | April 18, 2011
Business Standard | April 16, 2011
The strike at the GM India Halol plant continues, receiving support from the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF)
Indian Express | April 16, 2011
Workers at GM India's Halol plant protested against the officials of the Labour Department for not taking any action against the company despite several reminders from their end.
The Economic Times | April 15, 2011
Talks between the management and workers on strike have so far failed to yield any result and even the threat to terminate jobs have not made the nearly 200 agitating employees return to duty.
The Times of India | April 14, 2011
Hundreds of GM India workers on strike were detained by the city police.
Indian Express | April 11, 2011
Online petition by top labour body asks GM brass to address Halol workers‘ complaints
Columbia Journalism Review | By Ryan Chittum | April 6, 2011
Outsourcing tragedies while paying a sliver of what our workers made 100 years ago
Democracy Now! | March 25, 2011
One hundred years after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, we look at some of the major struggles facing workers today in the United States and around the world. In one of many recent fires, 26 workers making clothes for U.S. companies were killed in Bangladesh last December. Workers across the United States, meanwhile, are facing a resurgent assault on salaries, benefits and their right to organize—as epitomized in Wisconsin’s anti-union bill. [includes rush transcript]
Labor Notes | By Andy Griggs | March 24, 2011
Much has changed about the global economy since the Triangle fire. But despite the great power of multinationals to send contract work scurrying around the globe, garment workers in Bangladesh are doing exactly what New York’s garment workers did—organizing and demanding rights.
PropertyCasualty360.com | By Chad Hemenway | March 24, 2011
Unlike insurers in 1911, insurers today “focus constantly on life safety, fire prevention, and having their policyholders maintain important fire protection features,” while insurers in 1911 focused on selling more and larger policies, not risk reduction.
Workday Minnesota | March 24, 2011
On the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in New York City on March 25, 1911, workers in the developing world continue to die needlessly in sweatshops with locked exits.
PR Newswire | By Institute for Global Labour & Human Rights | March 23, 2011
Official Press Release - On the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in New York City on March 25, 1911, workers in the developing world continue to die needlessly in sweatshops with locked exits.
The Raw Story | By Eric W. Dolan | March 23, 2011
As the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire approaches, the Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights urged the United States to pass legislation to prevent multi-national corporations from violating internationally recognized worker rights standards, such as no child or forced labor, decent working conditions, freedom of association and the right to organize a union.
Forward | By Gal Beckerman | March 17, 2011
We look at the events that took place 100 years ago and they feel so distant from our reality. We assume that the conditions that led to such catastrophe couldn't possibly exist today. But in many other parts of the world, the garment industry is still an incredibly dangerous, abysmally paying world in which workers are often abused.
Delaware County Daily Times | By Kathleen E. Carey | March 10, 2011
While the tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory changed the working environment in the United States a century ago, labor activist Charles Kernaghan issued a call for action to end the global proliferation of similar conditions today.
Delaware County Daily Times | March 9, 2011
Today National Labor Committee Executive Director Charles Kernaghan is scheduled to speak at Widener University in Chester about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its impact on history as part of a week-long observance of the tragic event.
AutoBlog | By Chris Shunk | March 7, 2011
Just-Auto | By Editorial Team | March 7, 2011
Plastics News | By Steve Toloken | March 7, 2011
Daily Times | By KATHLEEN E. CAREY | March 6, 2011
AFP | March 4, 2011
The US Ford Motor Company on Friday was looking into a graphic report, "Dirty Parts: Where Lost Fingers Come Cheap" that accused Ford of sweatshop conditions in its factory in China.
Daily Mail Online | March 4, 2011
Ford motor company is facing accusations workers at a factory producing parts for its cars are subject to abusive and dangerous working conditions, a report said.
The Detroit Bureau | By Joseph Szczesny | March 4, 2011
The Detroit News | By Alisa Priddle | March 4, 2011
The Oakland Press | By Joseph Szczesny | March 4, 2011
Ford Motor Co. has promised to investigate complaints that employees of a company in China supplying parts to the automaker are working under hazardous conditions.
TorqueNews | By Don Bain | March 4, 2011
AutoInformed | By Ken Zino | March 3, 2011
PR Newswire | By Institute for Global Labour & Human Rights | March 3, 2011
Catholic San Francisco | By By Tony Magliano | February 23, 2011
Impoverished El Salvadoran workers are being crushed by the NFL.
The Local | January 29, 2011
Adidas and Puma have come under fire for doing business with a sweatshop in El Salvador where people work in inhumane conditions to produce football shirts for Germany’s biggest sportswear firms.
USA Today | By Kathy Chu and Michelle Yun | November 19, 2010
Article on how the improvement in China’s economy is resulting in a bolder labor force that demands better wages and working conditions and what this could mean for companies and Chinese politics.
UNITED STEELWORKERS (USW) | 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.
AlterNet | By Anneli Rufus | October 1, 2010
Shoes spur cravings, compulsions and crimes as no other clothing does, and the true cost of making them is just as surprising.
Inside Fashion | By R. Jane Singer | October 1, 2010
Workers in emerging nations have found an unlikely ally in their fight for higher wages and better working conditions.
www.reuters.com | By Prak Chan Tul | September 14, 2010
Thousands of Cambodian garment workers, following a wave of labor disputes in mostly foreign-owned factories in other Asian countries, begin a five-day strike on September 13th demanding a wage increase to about $93 a month and benefits.
NY Times | By REUTERS | September 13, 2010
Article on how Cambodia is showing signs of a more assertive work force and how labor unrest in China may be spreading to the rest of the Asian countries producing low cost goods.
eWeek.com | By Nicholas Kolakowski | September 13, 2010
Microsoft is taking corrective measures after a New York Times article suggested that Russian authorities have used the company's antipiracy policy as a context for raids on advocacy groups.
eWeek.com | By Nicholas Kolakowski | August 30, 2010
Microsoft's investigation into conditions at the KYE factory in China turned up violations that the company says it addressed, but the NLC finds Microsoft's statements too vague.
International Association of Fire Fighters | By IAFF | August 26, 2010
The NLC’s Charles Kernaghan speaks at the IAFF Convention, urging delegates to stand up against abuse in sweatshop factories making low priced goods in countries where workers’ rights are not respected.
Tribune Magazine | By Tony Burke | August 17, 2010
British and American unions are backing Bangladeshi garment workers in their fight for justice, writes Tony Burke.
International Trade Union Confederation | August 9, 2010
The ITUC is calling on the Government of Bangladesh to support decent wages and living standards for the country’s workers, particularly in the garments sector, and cease harassment of trade unionists and other worker-rights advocates.
Stronger Unions, TUC Organizing Committee | By Owen Tudor | August 9, 2010
The TUC stands in solidarity with the Bangladeshi textile workers in their struggle to earn a higher minimum wage.
Trades Union Congress | August 7, 2010
The TUC has joined trade unionists and campaigners around the world to demand better terms and conditions for 3.5 million Bangladeshi textile workers, who are striking and demonstrating for, among other things, a higher minimum wage of 5,000 taka a month - just £45 ($71.53.)
AFL-CIO | By AFL-CIO | August 5, 2010
AFL-CIO Executive Council issued a statement to support Bangladeshi Garment Workers' wage demand.
Morning Star | By Steve Davison | August 4, 2010
Bangladeshi workers have finally had enough of their less than living wages and are demanding modest wage increases to just be able to provide for their families, but the Bangladeshi government and multinational companies unwilling to increase costs are making it difficult to negotiate an acceptable minimum wage.
PC Pro | By Nicole Kobie | July 5, 2010
A factory in China that makes technological devices for companies such as HP, Intel, and IBM has been compared to a prison, as workers are forced to endure intolerable conditions; company executives are looking into these allegations.
Computer Weekly | By Rebecca Thomson | July 2, 2010
The Jabil Factory in Guangzhou, China has been accused of using illegal and inhuman tactics to increase production for U.S. technology companies; the companies are investigating working conditions.
Good Electronics | By Staff | July 2, 2010
The NLC has published a report outlining the harsh sweatshop conditions of a technology manufacturing factory in Guangzhou, China that produces goods for big U.S. companies such as IBM, Nokia, and Samsung.
St. Petersburg Times | By Robert Trigaux | July 1, 2010
A workers rights group that 14 years ago outed celebrity Kathie Lee Gifford for allowing her clothing line to be made in Central American sweatshops is now targeting St. Petersburg electronics manufacturer Jabil Circuit for worker abuse at one of its many factories in China.
St. Petersburg Times | By Times Staff | June 30, 2010
A U.S.-based worker rights group that documents harsh overseas sweatshops released a report Tuesday that claims St. Petersburg-based Jabil Circuit's factory in Guangzhou, China, is rife with "cruel and inhuman" conditions affecting its 6,000 workers.
evertiq | By ANKE SCHRÖTER | June 30, 2010
Anybody that thought Foxconn was alone in this entire Chinese production mess? Well, now it seems Jabil's turn for a little bit of soul-searching.
The New Nation | By Syful Islam | June 17, 2010
A Bangladesh-based report on the NLC campaign to increase the minimum wage for garment workers.
The Daily Star | June 9, 2010
Daily Star editorial in support of a higher minimum wage.
May 14, 2010
Internation Press on NLC's May 2009 Metro/ R.L. Denim factory report.
Good Electronics | By Staff | April 23, 2010
Despite corporate monitoring, workers in the KYE factory in Dongguan, China continue to report instances of employee mistreatment; Microsoft is allegedly investigating the abuses cited in the NLC’s “China’s Youth Meet Microsoft” report but chances are these harsh working conditions will persist.
New York Times | By David Barboza | April 19, 2010
Two Chinese factories that supply goods to Microsoft and other global companies have been cited by government officials for violating local labor laws, including failing to register more than 300 workers between the ages of 16 and 18.
People's Daily Online | By People's Daily Online | April 19, 2010
The two factories of KYE Systems Corporation have not employed child laborers, or workers younger than 16, said an official with the local labor authority in Dongguan.
Tech Eye | By Nick Farrell | April 19, 2010
While software giant Microsoft is still to investigate illegal labour practices at the plants of two of its Chinese partners, it seems that authorities have been quick to condemn the plants
Toronto Sun | By By WILLIAM FOREMAN, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | April 19, 2010
Two factories that make Microsoft Corp. products in southern China violated overtime regulations and failed to properly register the use of workers aged 16 to 18, a monitoring group said Monday.
Windows IT Pro | By Paul Thurrott | April 19, 2010
Two companies owned by a Microsoft partner that manufactures computer mouse and web camera products for the software giant were cited this week by Chinese authorities for labor violations. Microsoft is currently investigating reports that factories run by these companies engage in slave-like child labor, denying workers basic services such as work breaks, decent living conditions, and competitive wages.
The Daily Mail | By LIZ HULL and LEE SORRELL | April 18, 2010
Showing Chinese sweatshop workers slumped over their desks with exhaustion, it is an image that Microsoft won't want the world to see.
The Economic Times | April 17, 2010
BEIJING: Two Chinese production units contracted by global giant Microsoft have been found guilty of violating labour laws and have been given a week to rectify their "illegal practices".
China Daily | By Agencies | April 16, 2010
Microsoft Corp said Thursday it will investigate reports of poor working conditions at a factory in southern China that makes some of its products.
People's Daily Online | April 16, 2010
Microsoft said Wednesday it had opened an investigation following a report of harsh working conditions at a factory in China that makes products for the US software giant.
The Independent | April 16, 2010
Microsoft said on Thursday it was investigating charges that young workers at a factory in China making its mice, cameras and Xbox controllers suffer overlong working hours and harsh treatment.
www.inside-it.ch | By Christoph Hugenschmidt | April 16, 2010
telegraph.co.uk | By Peter Foster | April 16, 2010
Microsoft has been accused of using the "slave labour" at a factory in China where its computer mice and Xbox controllers are made after a report said the teenage workers were paid as little as 37 pence per hour.
AFP | April 15, 2010
WASHINGTON — Microsoft said Wednesday it had opened an investigation following a report of harsh working conditions at a factory in China that makes products for the US software giant.
Ars Technica | By Emil Protalinski | April 15, 2010
A recent report by the National Labor Committee focuses on KYE Factory, which seems to be breaking every rule imaginable.
Fast Company | By Addy Dugdale | April 15, 2010
Following reports of abusive labor conditions at KYE by the National Labor Committee, the factory in China that manufactures Microsoft's Basic Optical Mouse -- and a variety of other products for other companies -- Brian Tobey, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President, Manufacturing and Operations, Entertainment and Devices, has posted the following response on the Official Microsoft Blog:
Reuters | By Bill Rigby, Richard Chang | April 15, 2010
(Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it was investigating charges that young workers at a factory in China making its mice, cameras and Xbox controllers suffer overlong working hours and harsh treatment.
Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog) | By Nick Eaton | April 15, 2010
After a labor group's allegations that Microsoft hardware workers are mistreated at a Chinese factory, Microsoft announced Thursday that is it sending inspectors to the KYE Systems facility in Dongguan.
The Associated Press | April 15, 2010
SEATTLE — Microsoft Corp. said Thursday it will investigate reports of poor working conditions at a factory in southern China that makes some of its products.
The Seattle Times | By Brier Dudley | April 15, 2010
To investigate allegations of harsh working conditions at a vendor's factory in China, Microsoft dispatched a team of independent auditors to investigate first-hand.
Wall Street Journal | By NICK WINGFIELD | April 15, 2010
Microsoft Corp. said it is investigating allegations of worker abuse at a factory in China that makes computer mice, cameras and other devices for the technology giant.
Women's Wear Daily | By Rosemary Feitelberg | April 15, 2010
The Canadian Broadcasting Company aired an exposé accusing the International British Garments Factory in Jordan, which manufactures for Nygård, of human trafficking and worker abuse. Nygård is investigating these claims and pursuing legal action in order to maintain its reputation.
ZDNet UK | By Tom Espiner | April 15, 2010
A Chinese firm that supplies keyboards and peripherals for a number of technology companies has been criticised over the working conditions in one of its factories.
Fast Company | By Addy Dugdale | April 14, 2010
Underage, underpaid workers working 15-hour shifts, sexually predatory security guards, hourly pay of just 52 cents per hour after deductions for the canteen food. No talking during work hours, no listening to music, no bathroom breaks. These are just some of the conditions that workers at China's KYE Systems Corp. plant in Dongguan City have to endure.
The Seattle Times | By Sharon Pian Chan | April 14, 2010
A U.S. labor group said this week that Microsoft has been contracting with a sweatshop in China that hires teenagers to make Microsoft mice for 65 cents an hour, 12 hours a day.
PC Magazine | By Mark Hachman | April 13, 2010
Microsoft said Tuesday that it has agreed to investigate claims that a contract manufacturer of some of its peripheral products has been subjecting its employees to illegal and even inhumane working conditions.
Los Angeles Times | By John M. Glionna | March 8, 2010
The notice told of worries about employees and vehicles over the automaker's push to trim costs and boost production.
Ecologist | By Andrew Hickman | February 23, 2010
Workers are dying in Bangladesh’s shipyards because the west's shipping industry - including UK companies - is not taking responsibility for the disposal of ageing vessels
Indian Express | February 16, 2010
A Fact-finding mission of the US-based National Labor Committee visited Shakkarpur early this month to study the plight of the agate workers affected by silicosis in Khambat in Anand district.
Haaertz | By By Natasha Mozgovaya and Haaretz Service | December 8, 2009
Jordan's Ministry of Labor on Wednesday rejected accusations that a local factory supplying clothing to Israel was abusing its workers, saying there was no evidence of either human trafficking or forced work.
The Washington Post | By V. Dion Hayne and Ylan Q. Mui | November 9, 2009
Bill calls for paid time off Some firms adjusting rules as flu spreads
ABC News | By Radha Chitale | November 5, 2009
New Report Bashes Wal-Mart for Encouraging Sick Workers to Work
Newser | By By Nick McMaster | November 5, 2009
“ WalMart is taking heat for a restrictive policy that critics say pressures sick workers to go to work, swine flu be damned. Employees who take absences for an illness or a child’s illness rack up “points," and four points within a certain period can lead to termination. A workers' rights group blasted the policy in a new report this week. "They live in fear and dread," says the director of the National Labor Committee.
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | November 3, 2009
Many American workers do not have paid sick leave and others are discouraged from taking sick days through demerit systems, etc; these policies cause people to go to work and send their children to school sick, making disease more likely to spread.
October 19, 2009
HBO Documentary "Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags" documents rise of New York garment industry and its fall in the face of the global sweatshop economy (October 16,2009)
Bloomberg | By Review by Dave Shiflett | October 19, 2009
New York’s Garment District is being buried in a cheap Chinese suit.
In These Times | By By David Moberg | October 16, 2009
At one point the garment industry was the largest employer in New York City, providing jobs for tens of thousands of mainly immigrant workers and entrepreneurial opportunities for many others. Now it has almost vanished.
Jewish Lite | By ELLEN FUTTERMAN | October 16, 2009
Being able to use the word "schmatta" in print is enticing, but know it isn't used gratuitously here. Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags is a new documentary about the history of the New York garment district that will debut from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on HBO Monday (Oct. 19 and several times thereafter). For anyone interested in American history and/or the fashion industry, this well-done doc makes for must-see TV.
PeopleUK | By Daniel Jones; Lee Sorrell | October 11, 2009
Kids as young as 10 are being forced to risk death breaking up British ships.
Haaretz | By By Dana Weiler-Polak, Haaretz Correspondent | August 16, 2009
Working long hours in the biting cold, in unbearable heat, without enough food and no water, and no overtime pay or sick leave were some of the conditions which dozens of Bangladeshi workers allegedly had to endure in the Israeli-owned sweat shop Musa Garments in Jordan.
Haaertz | By By Avirama Golan | August 13, 2009
A report commissioned by the National Labor Committee (a U.S. organization devoted to protecting workers' rights) on an Israeli-run sweatshop in Jordan shocked many decent people who demonstrated in front of chain stores Jump, Irit, Bonita and Pashut at Tel Aviv's Azrieli Mall. The demonstrators protested the horrifying exploitation of factory workers by the company Musa Garments, as detailed in the NLC report. They promised a consumer boycott.
The Epoch Times | By By Ben Kaminsky | August 13, 2009
After a thorough investigation in Jordan, the National Labor Committee found workers in slave-like conditions and documented cases of beatings and rape.
Haaretz | By Dana Weiler-Polak | August 12, 2009
Haaretz report provokes outrage over Jordanian factory producing Israeli labels
Haaertz | By By Dana Weiler-Polak | August 10, 2009
If the term "sweatshop" used to be associated with Asian countries and global brands such as Nike, now such methods of production by exploiting workers have made aliyah. Two Israeli entrepreneurs run a sweatshop in Jordan that produces clothes for leading Israeli brands such as Irit, Bonita, Jump and Pashut, Haaretz has learned.
June 19, 2009
Clean Clothes Campaign and Ver.di Union press release about their meeting with Metro Group and Metro's production returning to the R.L. Denim factory.
Clean Clothes Campaign and Verdi Union's Press Release on Metro and R.L. Denim
Women's Wear Daily | By John Zarocostas | June 4, 2009
U.N. expert claims that corporate monitoring does not work
May 20, 2009
May 14, 2009
Financial Times Germany's German Language article on the Metro/R.L. Denim sweatshop. (May 13 2009)
The Sydney Morning Herald | May 14, 2009
A Bangladeshi teenager who died in a garment factory that supplies cheap jeans for export to Europe was "overworked to death", a rights group said. Fatema Akter, an 18-year-old garment worker in the port city of Chittagong, died during her shift in December last year, according to the US-based National Labor Committee (NCL).
AFP | May 13, 2009
A teenage garment factory worker in Chittagong, Bangladesh died as a result of illness and exhaustion from working overly long hours and not being allowed sick leave.
New Age | By Nazrul Islam and Kazi Azizul Islam | May 13, 2009
New Age Bangladesh Report on the Metro Group and R.L. Denim factory. May 13, 2009
Speigel | By Nils Klawitter | May 11, 2009
Der Speigel article on the Metro sweatshop in Bangladesh (May 11, 2009)
March 6, 2009
High Tech Misery report in the Media
Xinhua News | February 19, 2009
Five global information technology giants said Wednesday they will cooperate with an investigation into allegations that one of their hardware suppliers in south China made its employees work a back-breaking schedule under "dehumanizing" conditions.
Computer Weekly | By Rebecca Thomson | February 17, 2009
Chinese factory workers are working in prison-like conditions for 41 cents an hour to make computer parts for IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo and Dell, a report claims.
Slashdot.org | February 15, 2009
"Think you've got a bad job? Think again. You could be making keyboards for IBM, Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo and HP at Meitai Plastic and Electronics, a Chinese hardware factory.
ZDNet UK | By Tom Espiner | February 13, 2009
A technology industry watchdog plans to investigate conditions at a Chinese hardware factory that supplies IBM, Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo and HP, following a damning report on conditions there by a human-rights organisation.
France 24 | February 12, 2009
A report issued by human rights activists reveals that young migrant workers are labouring under sweatshop conditions for IBM, Microsoft, HP and Dell in a factory in China. Twelve hours a day, seven days a week, the people who put your keyboard keys into place are paid 60 euro cents an hour to do it. And they're not even allowed to raise their heads or go to the toilet...
Gizmodo | By Jason Chen | February 10, 2009
A study by The National Labor Committee, which is a worker's rights group that actually is not associate with the government, found very crazy (and very cruel) working conditions in a Meitai factory in Dongguan City.
Times Hearld-Record | By Christine Young | February 9, 2009
Chinese factory workers making keyboards for IBM and other American companies are treated little better than slaves, according to a 60-page report released Thursday by The National Labor Committee.
Multinational Monitor | By By Jennifer Wedekind | September 24, 2008
Sponsored by Visa, brought to you by GE and made possible, in part, by Coca-Cola, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games floated in a sea of corporate sponsorships. The Olympic Games have long been a valuable marketing venue for multinational companies, but commercialism around the Beijing 2008 Olympics reached a whole new level as virtually every facet of the Games was auctioned off to the highest bidder.
World Tribune | September 12, 2008
WASHINGTON — Hundreds of Asians are laboring under abusive conditions at a U.S. military base in Kuwait.
International Herald Tribune | September 10, 2008
TOYOTA, Japan (AP) - Toyota Motor Corp. has long boasted a stellar reputation for super-efficient production that has become the lore of countless business success books.
New York Times | By NORIMITSU ONISHI | August 25, 2008
Chinese workers in Japan suffer low wages, restricted movement, and other abuses, even though the Japanese economy is becoming more and more dependent on their labor.
The Daily Star | By Staff Correspondent | August 25, 2008
Coverage of the NLC's report: "Guest Workers Trafficked to Kuwait" in the Bangladeshi Newspaper, the Daily Star
New York Times | August 15, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/world/asia/15labor.html?_r=1
McClatchy Newspapers | By By Kat Glass | August 7, 2008
WASHINGTON — When Susan Perry goes toy-shopping for 2-year-old granddaughter Georgia, three little words send up red flags: "Made in China." Sweatshop labor is one of those flags. But knowing what's going on in Chinese factories is hard for consumers, even though wages and working conditions are often among their top concerns about globalization.
McClatchy | By Kat Glass | August 7, 2008
McClatchy Newspapers' Coverage of the NLC's Nightmare on Sesame Street report (August 2008)
The Daily Star | By Staff Correspondent | August 4, 2008
US-based Steve and Barry, the buyer of Caliber Garments factory in Jordan, will provide compensation to the factory's 82 Bangladeshi workers deported from Jordan without payment of their arrears.
Edmunds Inside Line | July 19, 2008
Article on the National Labor Committee's report on Toyota and its connection with Burmese dictators and foreign worker exploitation in Japan.
automotive.com | July 19, 2008
Toyota has been accused of trafficking foreign workers to Japan and allowing sweatshop policies in its factories, paying workers very low wages and forcing them to work long hours.
autoblog | By Jeremy Korzeniewski | July 18, 2008
After Toyota being accused of abusing its workers and having ties to dictators, the excellent reputation it has developed for being a beacon of green technology has the possibility of being destroyed.
thedailygreen | By Jim Motavalli | July 18, 2008
Although Toyota has long been revered for its commitment to green technology, shocking allegations have been directed at the popular automobile company regarding worker treatment in Japan. Toyota is seriously looking into these accusations.
worldcarfans.com | By Brian Potter | July 18, 2008
Article on the NLC's report on Toyota worker abuse and what the consequences could be for the popular car manufacturer.
AnitaRoddick.com | By Brooke Shelby Biggs | July 16, 2008
"DISPATCH: Nightmare on Sesame Street," AnitaRoddick.com
Greens Chemical Blog | July 16, 2008
"Nightmare on Sesame Street," Green Chemicals Blog
ICIS Green Chemicals | By Doris de Guzman | July 16, 2008
In These Times | By Paul Abowd | July 16, 2008
Article summarizing the National Labor Comittee's report on Toyota's abusive sweatshop labor practices in Japan.
Playthings | July 16, 2008
"K'Nex investigates 'sweatshop' report," Playthings
Toy News Online | By Ronnie Dungan | July 16, 2008
"U.S.: K'Nex launches investigation after 'sweatshop' report," Toy News Online, UK
Toy News | By By Ronnie Dungan | July 16, 2008
America’s National Labor Committee has released a damning report on a Chinese factory used by K’Nex. The 30-page report highlights production of a new Sesame Street Ernie toy made by K'Nex and being launched by Hasbro in the US and Europe.
McClatchy Newspapers | By By Kat Glass | July 15, 2008
WASHINGTON- The Sesame Workshop and a U.S. toymaker launched investigations Tuesday of allegations that some "Sesame Street" toys are being made in a Chinese sweatshop.
New York Daily News | By By Erin Durkin | July 15, 2008
K'Nex toys released its Ernie-themed building sets in the United States Tuesday. A report by the National Labor Committee found the toys are made at the Kai Da toy factory in Shenzhen, China - an alleged sweatshop.
New York Daily News | By Erin Durkin | July 15, 2008
"New Sesame Street doll is made in Chinese sweatshop-labor report," New York Daily News
Playthings | July 14, 2008
K’Nex Industries is launching an investigation into claims by the National Labor Committee, an international workers' rights watchdog group, that some of its Sesame Street building sets are made under “abusive sweatshop conditions.”
Playthings | By Staff -- Playthings | July 14, 2008
Press Release Newswire | July 14, 2008
A new Sesame Street "Ernie" toy made by K'NEX and distributed by Hasbro is to be released in the U.S. and Europe on July 15.
Reliable Plant Magazine | July 3, 2008
The United Steelworkers (USW), North America's largest private-sector union, and Unite the Union, the largest labor organization in the United Kingdom and Ireland, on July 2 signed an agreement clearing the way for the creation of Workers Uniting, the world's first global union.
WENN Entertainment News Wire Service | July 3, 2008
"Olsens Sign Petition After Sweatshop Scandal," WENN Entertainment News Wire Service
June 30, 2008
GreenBiz.com | By Conrad MacKerron | June 30, 2008
"Prius Envy and the Greening of Wal-Mart: A Blind Spot for the Human Cost," Greenbiz.com By Conrad MacKerron
Edmunds Inside Line | By By Anita Lienert | June 19, 2008
NEW YORK — The Toyota Prius may be the darling of environmentalists and Hollywood celebrities, but a new report by a self-described human rights advocacy group accuses Toyota of "human trafficking and sweatshop abuses" in the building of its vehicles.
The New York Times | By By Martin Fackler | June 11, 2008
TOKYO — Japan’s salarymen, famous for their work ethic and their corporate loyalty, fueled this nation’s industrial rise. But more recently, they have borne the brunt of its economic decline, enduring lower wages, job insecurity and long hours of unpaid overtime.
New York Times | By David Barboza | May 10, 2008
In Chinese Factories, Lost Fingers and Low Pay
South China Morning Press | By Chow Chung-yan | April 9, 2008
According to the South China Morning Press, over 3,000 Shenzhen workers engaged in a mass walkout after employees were beaten by Italian supervisors after a pay dispute.
April 8, 2008
AFL-CIO President John Sweeney condemns the murder of Teamster Jose Gilberto Soto of the Port of New York/New Jersey while in in Usulutan, El Salvador to meet with local labor leaders and port drivers.
AP | By ELAINE KURTENBACH | April 8, 2008
According to the Associated Press, Chinese employees of Italian sofa maker DeCoro, who sells most of its products in the U.S., organized a mass protest amidst worker beatings over pay disputes.
New York Times | By Tom Hayden and Charles Kernaghan | March 27, 2008
This op-ed article in the NY Times, outlines the global problem involving American companies production in sweatshops in such places as China and Bangladesh, and the responsibility of American consumers and lawmakers to change this practice
Press & Sun Bulletin | By By Valerie Bauman | March 10, 2008
ALBANY -- The young workers came from Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America, spending their own money to work in summer resort towns. Many of them wound up cheated out of wages and overtime pay, working jobs that violated child labor laws or docked pay to cover room and board.
Women's Wear Daily | By By Kristi Ellis | February 8, 2008
WASHINGTON — Jordan's labor minister, seeking to reassure U.S. apparel buyers and the public that his government has taken steps to eradicate violations in the garment industry, outlined a five-year monitoring program Thursday intended to eliminate abusive factories.
January 23, 2008
Women's Wear Daily | By Evan Clark | January 9, 2008
Women's Wear Daily report on sweatshop abuses at the Classic Factory in Jordan.
New York Times | By David Barboza | January 5, 2008
The New York Times | By By DAVID BARBOZA | January 5, 2008
GUANGZHOU, China — Nearly a decade after some of the most powerful companies in the world — often under considerable criticism and consumer pressure — began an effort to eliminate sweatshop labor conditions in Asia, worker abuse is still commonplace in many of the Chinese factories that supply Western companies, according to labor rights groups.
Southern Metropolis Daily | December 20, 2007
Chinese labor activist, Huang Qingnan, was ambushed and stabbed by thugs in China's southern city of Shenzhen. Those close to Mr. Huang say his labor rights work was motive for the attack.
Mother Jones | By Celia Perry | December 14, 2007
A group of Chinese high school students has exposed abusive sweatshop practices in a factory in Guangdong, China, including employing children as young as 12 and forcing them to work overtime in unsafe conditions.
December 13, 2007
Gifts and Dec | December 13, 2007
Not only has Wal-Mart been accused of using sweatshop labor, it is also facing allegations regarding the use of unsustainable and unethical wood to manufacture its products.
New York Sun | December 13, 2007
Accusations against Wal-Mart for instances of child sweatshop labor have gained attention from politicians and heightened an awareness of American retailers' lax attitudes toward enforcing their labor policies abroad.
New York Times | December 13, 2007
Senator Byron L. Dorgan from North Dakota has become involved in the NLC's campaign against worker abuse in China and says that it presents a problem for U.S. trade.
The Raw Story | By David Edwards and Muriel Kane | December 13, 2007
Workers in Chinese factory are laboring under abusive conditions and for an illegally low wage, unaware of their rights.
fibre2fashion | December 13, 2007
Summary of the NLC's report, "A Wal-Mart Christmas Brought to You from a Sweatshop in China."
ABC News | December 12, 2007
Video
Bloomberg | By Mark Drajem | December 12, 2007
Christmas ornaments made in a factory in China and sold at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. were produced in sweatshop conditions, a report by a labor advocacy group said.
New York Times | By Jennifer B. Lee | December 12, 2007
Wal-Mart Stores said today that it would begin an investigation into labor conditions at a Chinese factory that supplies Wal-Mart with Christmas ornaments.
Reuters | By Karey Wutkowski | December 12, 2007
Christmas tree ornaments sold at Wal-Mart Stores Inc and other major retailers were made in a Chinese sweatshop employing workers as young as 12 and others who work more than 100 hours a week, a Democratic senator said on Wednesday.
The O`Reilly Factor--Fox News | December 5, 2007
Transcript of the National Labor Committee Director's discussion with Fox New's Bill O'Reilly about Victoria Secret's sweatshop in Jordan.
November 28, 2007
Links to press coverage of the November 2007 report on Victoria's Secret's Sweatshop in Jordan
Women's Wear Daily | November 28, 2007
Women's Wear Daily November 2007 report on Victoria Secret's Sweatshop in Jordan
NY Daily News | By Edgar Sandoval and Bill Hutchinson | November 21, 2007
November 2007 report on sweatshop crucifixes being sold at Trinity Church, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and nationally through the Association of Christian Retail
New York Post | By John Mazor and Andy Soltis | November 21, 2007
New York Sun | By Sarah Garland | November 21, 2007
New York Times | By John Sullivan | November 21, 2007
NewsDay.com | By David Freelander | November 21, 2007
Washington Post | By Verena Dobnik | November 21, 2007
China Daily | By Elaine Kurtenbach | November 3, 2007
LA Times | By Marla Dickerson | July 8, 2007
July 7, 2007n article by Marla Dickerson regarding the Just Garments case.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | By John Schmid | July 6, 2007
Fribo factory in Guatemala promises to improve labor situation. July 5, 2007
Taiwan News | By Emily Fredrix | July 5, 2007
AP article on Fribo factory, Guatemala. July 5, 2007. Agreement is reached to clean up factory.
New York Times | By Marc Lacey | July 3, 2007
New York Times | July 3, 2007
Women's Wear Daily | By Kristi Ellis | June 19, 2007
June 19, 2007 Women's Wear Daily article about Daisy Fuentes Line and connection to sweatshops in Guatemala.
Salt Lake Tribune | By Robyn Blummer | May 26, 2007
Robyn Blumner's May 26, 2007 article on the impact of NLC Jordan report uncovering human trafficking on the Peru and Panama trade deals. (05/26/07)
Washington Post | By Philip P. Pan | May 13, 2007
May 13, 2002 Washington Post Article on the death of a young girl making toys in China.
April 20, 2007
April 20, 2007 article on USAID and Jordan working to improve labor rights in Jordan. (04/20/07)
Pittsburgh Post Gazette | By Jim McKay | April 19, 2007
April 19, 2002 Pittsburgh Post Gazette article on Alcoa, Mexico
New York Times | By Marc Lacey | March 12, 2007
Voice of America | By Deborah Tate | February 23, 2007
By Deborah Tate, Voice of America.
Voice of America | February 14, 2007
U.S. lawmakers are considering legislation that would bar U.S. companies from profiting from the use of foreign sweatshops and other unfair labor practices abroad. A Senate panel conducted a hearing on the issue Wednesday, as VOA's Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.
Mercury News | By Les Blumenthal | November 29, 2006
The U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement has resulted in a growth of textile factories in Jordan; some are concerned that this may increase the instances of sweatshop labor, including the State Department's John Miller.
L.A. Times | October 26, 2006
Report on NLC's concern that Jordan is not keeping up with regulations set forth by the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement.
October 5, 2006
Foreign workers in Jordan have been subjected to abuse including verbal insults, beatings, and being to forced to sign blank documents under threat of deportation.
Redaccion Diario Co Latino | By Beatriz Castillo | August 23, 2006
An article from the "San Salvador Miercoles" about workers at the Quality factory making school uniforms for Elder Manufacturing Company.
August 22, 2006
AMMAN (JT) - Minister of Labor Bassem Salem on Sunday met with US Ambassador to Jordan David Hale and delegates of the Office of the US Trade Representative to outline efforts to safeguard workers' rights in the country's Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ).
July 17, 2006
AMMAN, 18 June (IRIN) - More than 100 Bangladeshi expatriates were withdrawn from a factory in the Sahab Qualified Industrial Zone (QIZ) after the discovery of cases of abuse by their employer, a labour ministry official said on Sunday.
Bureau of National Affairs | By Gary G. Yerkey | July 17, 2006
Companies operating factories in Jordan's QIZs (Qualified Industrial Zones) are not living up to labor standards agreed upon between the Jordanian and United States government.
The Editor-in-Chief of Jordan's "premier corporate magazine" discusses the NLC's report on human trafficking
Jordan Business | July 17, 2006
Jordan Business looks at the NLC's report and speaks with the Jordanian Minister of Labor. (06/06)
Jordan News Agency | July 17, 2006
Jordan Times | July 17, 2006
Jordan Times: July 5, 2006
The Washington Times | By Jeffrey Sparshott | July 17, 2006
Washington Times: June 17, 2006
July 13, 2006
Leading members of the House Ways and Means Committee wrote to the US Trade Representative as well as the Secretary of State requesting that the Bush administration investigate NLC claims of abuse in Jordan
Daily Star | July 12, 2006
Editorial: Our Workers' Misery in a Foreign Land
Jordan Times | June 18, 2006
AMMAN (JT) - Industry and Trade Minister Sharif Zu'bi concluded Saturday a two-day working visit to Washington in which he discussed US-Jordan trade and economic relations with various administration officials, congressional leaders and US business leaders.
Petra | June 17, 2006
U.S. Newswire | June 17, 2006
WASHINGTON, June 17 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Jordan's Minister of Industry and Trade Sharif Al Zu'bi concluded a two day working visit to Washington in which he discussed U.S.-Jordan trade and economic relations with various administration officials, congressional leaders and U.S. business leaders.
Washington Times | By Jeffrey Sparshott | June 17, 2006
After the NLC revealed abusive conditions in Jordanian factories, some of them have been shut down and conditions have slightly improved, but the violations have not been completely eliminated and workers continue to be abused.
Reuters | By Doug Palmer | June 16, 2006
Reuters: June 16, 2006
Daily Star | By Zafar Sobhan | May 12, 2006
Editorial: "Turning A Blind Eye to Abuse"
Kaleej Times Online (UAE) | May 7, 2006
"Jordan Moves to Verify US-Alleged Labor Violations"
May 5, 2006
"Bangladeshi Workers Repressed in Jordan, Government Unaware: International Rights Group Reports Rape of Women Workers"
Agence France-Presse | May 4, 2006
"Jordan Pledges Crackdown on Foreign Worker Abuse"
Globes Online | By Ran Dagoni | May 4, 2006
"China Main Beneficiary of US-Jordan-Israel QIZ - Report"
Women Wear Daily | By Kristi Ellis with contributions from Evan Clark | May 4, 2006
House Democratic leaders are urging the Bush administration to investigate allegations of labor abuses in textile and apparel factories in Jordan that are used by many U.S. companies.
May 3, 2006
Mental Mayhem: Blogging from Jordan (05/03/06)
Associated Press | May 3, 2006
Jordan acknowledged Wednesday that foreign workers were abused in the country's export textile sweatshops, responding to a report by the National Labor Committee that detailed the violations.
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | May 3, 2006
"An Ugly Side of Free Trade, Sweatshops in Jordan" (05/03/06)
CNN | July 22, 2005
Transcript of news report on Alcoa violations in a factory in Mexico.
By CNN | July 22, 2005
Bill Tucker reports on U.S. companies moving auto parts production from the U.S. to Mexico and then to even cheaper labor in Honduars
Department of Justice | June 23, 2005
Largest Ever Human Trafficking Case Prosecuted By The Justice Department
TIME | By Barbara Kiviat | December 17, 2004
"Making Trouble for the Doubles," TIME Magazine
WENN Entertainment News Wire Service | December 10, 2004
Washington Square News | By Mary Pilon | December 9, 2004
"Labor Groups to picket Olsens," Washington Square News
El Diario de Hoy | November 12, 2004
According to the "Diario de Hoy", the government of El Salvador is denying any political motivation for the murder of trade union leader Jose Gilberto Soto, saying many are trying to exploit the case to upset the approval of CAFTA.
New York Times | April 6, 2004
April 6, 2004 New York Times article on CAFTA and workers in Central America
Newsday | By Lauwen Weber | March 19, 2004
His campaign store sells a pullover from nation whose products he has banned from being sold in the U.S.
Reuters | By Grant McCool | February 9, 2004
The world's biggest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. turns a blind eye to abusive conditions at a factory in China that makes plastic toys for the company.
Financial Times | By Edward Alden | December 4, 2003
Garment workers at the Southeast Textiles maquila in Honduras face abuse from guards and low pay to produce clothing for Sean Combs' clothing line.
Honduras | November 18, 2003
Lydda Ely Gonzalez, an abused Honduran worker, stated last night that she confirms what is happening in the maquilas, she loves her country and that she is neither terrorist nor a liar.
Washington Post | By Michelle Garcia and Michael Powell | October 29, 2003
"I grew up in a family of working people," Combs, 33, told a ravening crowd of paparazzi and reporters. "I know what it's like to struggle day after day in a job to put food on the table. "I want to make sure that any merchandise that has my name on it is made by workers who are treated well."
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | October 28, 2003
Lydda Eli Gonzalez says a Honduran sweatshop makes Sean Jean clothes. She claims the factory fired her for trying to organize a union.
Mother Jones | By Charles Bowden | August 1, 2003
"He made Kathie Lee Gifford cry and made the Gap treat its workers better. Now Charlie Kernaghan plans to put an end to sweatshop labor altogether."
New York Times | By Patrick McGeehan | June 14, 2003
According to the New York Times, a recent shareholder's lawsuit against Disney for repayment of millions of dollars given to a departing director has broad implications for business practice and corporate director's liability.
Guardian | By David Flicking | March 1, 2003
A brutal sweatshop beats and starves its workers while they make designer clothes for US retail giants Sear and JC Penney.
Chicago Tribune | By Thom Khanje | October 5, 2002
The Chicago Tribune reports on the U.S. tour by the National Labor Committee with Bangladeshi workers as it organized a demonstration in front of a Disney Store in Chicago with students from Loyola University.
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | September 27, 2002
The New York Times reports on the National Labor Committee's U.S. tour with Bangladeshi workers to protest the working conditions in the Shah Makhdum factory.
Washington Post | By Kirstin Downey Grimsley | September 25, 2002
The Washington Post reports on the campaign by civic, labor and religious organizations, spearheaded by Charles Kernaghan of the NLC, to highlight the poor working conditions suffered by Bangladeshi workers in factories producing for Wal-Mart and Disney.
LA Times | By Warren Vieth | September 23, 2002
The LA Times reports that anti-sweatshop activists, headed by Charles Kernaghan of NLC, are promoting a campaign to discredit companies such as The Walt Disney Co. that "cut and run" when confronted with evidence of labor abuses in Bangladesh.
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | April 20, 2002
Wwidespread minimum-wage violations and harsh conditions at a factory owned by Daewoosa caused the company millions of dollars in damages.
Daily News | By JOEL SIEGEL | August 4, 2001
New York Times | By Elizabeth Olson | June 5, 2001
New York Times | By Barry Bearak | April 15, 2001
Honolulu Star-Bulletin | March 24, 2001
Kilsoo Lee has been charged with holding Vietnamese workers under conditions of "involuntary servitude and forced labor" at the Daewoosa factory in American Samoa.
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | March 1, 2001
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | February 6, 2001
Workers at a factory in American Samoa that made apparel for the J. C. Penney Company and other retailers were often beaten and were provided food so inadequate that some were "walking skeletons".
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | December 22, 2000
New York Times | By Steven Greenhouse | December 3, 2000
Bloomberg Businessweek | By Dexter Roberts and Aaron Bernstein | October 2, 2000
New York Times | By David Gonzalez | September 16, 2000
Chicago Tribune | By Susan Chandler and Karen Mellen | August 24, 2000
Chicago Tribune | By Susan Chandler | August 23, 2000
National Enquirer | By Alan Butterfield | October 13, 1999
Oct. 13, 1999 - "Shocking Report From El Salvador," an article by Alan Butterfield and Jim Nelson for the National Enquirer, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Columbia Spectator | By James Thompson | October 4, 1999
October 4, 1999 - "Group Protests Sweatshops at TV Show," an article by James Thompson for the Columbia Spectator, on Kathie Lee workshops.
Michigan Daily | By Michael Grass | October 1, 1999
Oct. 1, 1999 - "Group protests Gifford's apparel," an article by Michael Grass for the Michigan Daily, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Wall Street Journal | September 29, 1999
Sept. 29, 1999 - "Making Kathie Lee Cry," A Wall Street Journal "Review & Outlook."
Providence Journal | By Marion Davis | September 25, 1999
Sept. 25, 1999 - "Salvadoran laborers plead for help at AFL-CIO meeting" by Marion Davis for the Providence Journal, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Daily News | By Helen Peterson and Paul Schwurtzman | September 24, 1999
Sept. 24, 1999 - "Kathie Lee Fights Back" and "She helps sweatshop workers, she sez in TV tirade," articles by Helen Peterson and Paul Schwurtzman for the Daily News, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Daily Tar Heel | By Beth O'Brien | September 24, 1999
Sept. 24, 1999 - "Speaker Calls for Labor Action," an article by Beth O'Brien for the Daily Tar Heel, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
New York Post | By Ikimuusa Sockwell | September 24, 1999
Sept. 24, 1999 - "Kathie Lee 'sew' sick of personal attacks," by Ikimuusa Sockwell for the New York Post, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Newsday | By Associated Press | September 24, 1999
Sept. 24, 1999 - "Kathie Lee Goes on the Defensive," an article by the Associate Press for Newsday, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Daily News | By Kenneth Bazinet | September 23, 1999
Sept. 23, 1999 - "Lay Off My Kathie," an article by Kenneth Bazinet for the Daily News, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
New York Post | By Jennifer Tung | September 23, 1999
Sept. 23, 1999 - "Coming apart at the seams," an article by Jennifer Tung for the New Tork Post, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Women's Wear Daily | By Joanna Ramey | September 23, 1999
Sept. 23, 1999 - "Kernaghan, Gifford Spar Over Kathie Lee," by Joanna Ramey for Women's Wear Daily, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Daily News | By Kenneth Bazinet | September 22, 1999
1999 - "Giff, sweat & tears," an article by Kenneth Bazinet for the Daily News, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
El Diario | By Marco Vinicio | September 22, 1999
Sept. 22, 1999 - "Amenazas de muerte," an article in Spanish by Marco Vinicio for El Diario, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
New York Post | By Ikimuusa Sockwell | September 22, 1999
Sept. 22, 1999 - "Sweatshop watchers rip Kathie Lee," by Ikimuusa Sockwell for the New York Post, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Newsday | By Jame Madore | September 22, 1999
Sept. 22, 1999 - "It's Dirty Work: Sweatshop owners use threats, ex-workers say," an article by James T. Madore for Newsday, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Noticias del Mundo | By Pedro Familia | September 22, 1999
Sept. 22, 1999 - "Salvadorenas denuncian trato inhumano en talleres de Sudor," an article in Spanish by Pedro Familia for Noticias del Mundo, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Washington Post | By Beth Berselli | September 22, 1999
1999 - "Saving His Damsel In This Dress," by Beth Berselli for the Washington Post, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Washington Post | By Lloyd Grove | September 22, 1999
Sept. 22, 1999 - "Turning Up the Heat on Kathie Lee Again" by Lloyd Grove for the Washington Post, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
New York Post | By Richard Johnson | September 21, 1999
Sept. 21, 199p - "New sweatshop rap for Kathie Lee," an article by Richard Johnson for the New York Post, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Newsday | By Jame Madore | September 21, 1999
Sept. 21, 1999 - "Gifford Faces More Fallout," an article by James Madore for Newsday, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Washington Post | By William Branigin | July 30, 1998
Newsday | By James Madore | March 19, 1998
Pittsburgh Post Gazette | By Cristina Rouvalis | April 25, 1997
April 25, 1997 - "Anti-sweatshop crusader dresses down celebrities," an article by Cristina Rouvalis of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
McCall Magazine | January 1, 1997
January 1997 - In this issue of McCall's magazine, Kathie Lee writes about the sweatshop scandal.
Buffalo News | October 17, 1996
October 17, 1996 - "Young woman shows the bitter fruit of free trade," an opinion piece by Donn Esmonde of The Buffalo News on Kathie Lee sweatshops in Honduras.
Resource Center of the Americans | By Barb Kucera | August 1, 1996
Jul/Aug 1996 - "Kathie Lee expose highlights garment industry abuses," from "Working Together," a labor report on the Amercias by the Resource Center of the Americans.
Dallas Morning News | By Anne Cearley | July 21, 1996
July 21, 1996 - "Union highlights factory workers' plight in El Salvador," an article by Anne Cearley of the Dallas Morning News, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Women's Wear Daily | June 24, 1996
May 24, 1996 - "Reich Recruits Kathie Lee To Fight Sweatshops, an article from Women's Wear Daily on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Daily News | June 21, 1996
June 21, 1996 - "Why I picked on Kathie Lee & Co.," a Daily News column by Charles Kernaghan of the NLC on Kathie Lee sweatshops in Honduras.
Business Week | By Susan Chandler and Wendy Zellner | June 17, 1996
June 17, 1996 - "Prime Time for Sweatshops," an article by Susan Chandler and Wendy Zellner of Business Week, on Kathie Lee sweatshops in Honduras.
TIME Magazine | By Nancy Gibbs | June 17, 1996
June 17, 1996 - "Two high-profile endorsers are props in a worldwide debate over sweatshops and the use of child labor," an article by Nancy Gibbs for TIME magazine, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Entertainment Weekly | By Jennifer Pendleton and Geoff Williams | June 14, 1996
June 14, 1996 - "No Sweat," an article by Jennifer Pendleton and Geoff Williams for Entertainment Weekly "News & Notes," on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Daily News | By William Goldschlag | June 11, 1996
June 11, 1996 - "Perspiring firms in sweat over links to factories in Honduras, Pakistan," an article by William Goldschlag for the Daily News, on Kathie Lee sweatshops in Honduras.
Women's Wear Daily | By Joyce Barrett and Joanna Ramey | June 6, 1996
June 6, 1996 - "Charles Kernaghan: The Troublemaker," an article by Joyce Barrett and Joanna Ramey for Women's Wear Daily, on Charles Kernaghan of the NLC.
Daily News | By Michael Finnegan | June 4, 1996
June 4, 1996 -"Expose sews up reforms," an article by Michael Finnegan of the Daily News on Kathie Lee sweatshops in Honduras.
NY Times | By Steven Greenhouse | May 31, 1996
May 31, 1996 - "Live With Kathie Lee And Apparel Workers," an article by Steven Greenhouse for the New York Times on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Women's Wear Daily | By Mark Tosh | May 31, 1996
May 31, 1996 - "Sweatshops Draw Flurry of Activity," an article by mark Tosh of Women's Wear Daily on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Daily News | By William Goldschlag | May 30, 1996
May 30, 1996 - "Girl has tale for Kathie Lee," an article by William Goldschlag of the Daily News on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Press Release | May 28, 1996
May 28, 1996 "Rep. George Miller to hold press conference with 15 year old Honduran worker," a press release from the office of George Miller.
Daily News | May 24, 1996
May 24, 1996 - "The Giffords give cold, hard cash to sweatshop workers," an article by the Daily News on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Washington Post | By Ann Gerhart and Annie Groer | May 24, 1996
May 24, 1996 - "Gifford Pays Blouse Makers," an article by Ann Gerhart and Annie Groer for the Washington Post on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Washington Post | By William Branigin | May 24, 1996
May 24, 1996 - "Honduran Girl Asks Gifford to Help End Maltreatment," an article by William Branigin for the Washington Post on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Women's Wear Daily | By Joanna Ramey | May 23, 1996
May 23, 1996 - "Kernaghan Cheers Gifford Move To Monitor Makers of Her Line," an article by Joanna Ramey for Women's Wear Daily, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Newsweek | By Tessa Nameth | May 13, 1996
May 13, 1996 - "A Dustup Over a Dressing-Down," an article by Tessa Nameth for Newsweek on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
TIME Magazine | May 13, 1996
May 13, 1996 - "If you could hear her now," a photo and caption from TIME Magazine on Kathie Lee.
Daily News | By Corky Siemaszko | May 12, 1996
May 12, 1996 - "Kathie Lee's sew mad," an article by Corky Siemaszko of the Daily News on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Daily News | By Dave Eisenstadt and Corky Siemaszko | May 3, 1996
May 3, 1996 - "Kathie hemmin' & hawin' on flap," an article by Dave Eisenstadt and Corky Siemaszko of the Daily News, on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
Boston Globe | By Diane White | May 2, 1996
May 2, 1996 - "Kathie Lee's other Kids," an article by Diane White of the Boston Globe on Kathie Lee sweatshops in Honduras.
Daily News | By Wendell Jamieson | May 1, 1996
May 1, 1996 - "Foes still hammer at Kathie," an article by Wendell Jamieson of the Daily News on Kathie Lee sweatshops.
New York Times | By Bob Herbert | December 22, 1995
New York Times | By Bob Herbert | October 13, 1995
New York Times | By Bob Herbert | October 9, 1995
New York Times | By Bob Herbert | August 4, 1995
New York Times | By Bob Herbert | July 24, 1995
New York Times | By Bob Herbert | July 21, 1995
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Global trade rules fail to protect the most basic worker rights.
After 6 years of CAFTA, growing poverty in El Salvador — including for workers producing for export to U.S. companies.
Chinese teenagers toil excessive hours for poverty wages as they manufacture the Microsoft peripherals we use.
