Indian Apparel Companies Gag Labor Groups with Court Filings

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A judge in Bangalore, India has reaffirmed a gag order against labor organizations and supporters who seek to criticize labor conditions at factories in the region, reports the Dutch newspaper, Trouw. Workers have alleged that Fibres and Fabrics International (FFI) and Jeans Knit (JKPL), which produce garments for the European and U.S. markets, impeded workers' freedom of association, failed to pay overtime, and committed a range of health and safety violations. The legal action initiated by the apparel factories' owners has banned even a women's advocacy group from making further statements, despite the many women employed at the factories. U.S. apparel companies contracting with the factories include Gap, Guess and Ann Taylor. Complaints filed against the factories with corporate social responsibility monitor Social Accountability International have failed to resolve the conflict, according to the Netherlands-based worker advocacy group, the Clean Clothes Campaign, which was also named in the gag order. Indian trade union leader Ashim Roy said "the grounds for constraining our freedom of expression are not proper and reasonable and not consistent with the constitution [of India]." The groups say they will appeal the lower court decision.