Stand with Anti-Slavery Activist Andy Hall

Andy Hall is a British campaigner with a special focus on the rights of migrant workers. Two years ago he undertook an investigation on behalf of Finnwatch into potential labour abuses at Natural Fruit, part of NatGroup, a Thai company that processes pineapples and supplies retailers around the world.

Instead of addressing the allegations published in Finnwatch's report, Natural Fruit decided to try and silence Andy with lawsuits. He could now face 7 years in prison and $10 million in legal damages for his investigations.
If this case proceeds and Natural Fruit are successful this would not only be a grave miscarriage of justice for Andy Hall. This process could set a dangerous precedent for other companies in Thailand that might take a similar approach when allegations are raised of modern slavery in their supply chains. This threatens the work of anti-slavery campaigners but also workers in Thailand who might be too afraid to come forward and report abuse.

Petition: Stand with Anti-Slavery Activist Andy Hall

Primark clothing label "Forced to work exhausting hours"

Primark is keen to investigate how a label bearing the hand-stitched words: "Forced to work exhausting hours" was found inside one of its dresses. Swansea shopper Rebecca Gallagher bought a floral dress at the budget retailer and was alarmed by what she found.

"I was amazed when I checked for the washing instructions and spotted this label," Gallagher told the South Wales Evening Post. "To be honest I've never really thought much about how the clothes are made. But this really made me think about how we get our cheap fashion. I dread to think that my summer top may be made by some exhausted person toiling away for hours in some sweatshop abroad."

The shopper, who says she called Primark but didn't receive a response after being placed on hold, sees the wording as a "cry for help - to let us people in Britain know what is going on", although the label's origin will be difficult to verify. While it could have been added once the garment arrived in Britain, the label may also have been sewn in by a factory employee - a mystery that Primark is attempting to unravel.

Vogue.com UK

Government corruption: Made in China - By prison labor

It's easy to produce cheap goods when you don't have to pay your workers anything. (Brasscheck tv)

Ed Miliband: 'I'm a Zionist and oppose boycotts of Israel'

Ed Miliband (UK Leader of the Labour Party) has pledged to protect Jewish customs including brit milah and shechita if he becomes Prime Minister. Speaking at a Board of Deputies event the Labour leader said he was opposed to boycotts of Israel and warned of the need to be “ever-vigilant”against antisemitism.

Asked whether he would work to ensure religious slaughter and circumcision practices could continue in Britain, Mr Miliband said: “Yes, these are important traditions. The kosher issue has recently been brought to my attention. Ways of life must be preserved.” He added: “I take antisemitism very seriously. Any kind of delegitimisation of Israel is something we should call out for what it is and not tolerate it.

“I think the boycotts of Israel are totally wrong. We should have no tolerance for boycotts. I would say that to any trade union leaders.” But Mr Miliband warned the audience that while he was opposed to anti-Israel activities in this country, people must “understand the anger and dismay about settlements”.

He said that he considered himself a Zionist but was critical of some Israeli government policies. Asked about Labour’s support for the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations, Mr Miliband said he wanted to “encourage moderate” Palestinians and work in an “even-handed” way

The Jewish Chronicle

India's clothing workers: 'They slap us and call us dogs and donkeys'

Workers making clothes that end up in the stores of the biggest names on the British high street have testified to a shocking regime of abuse, threats and poverty pay. Many workers in Indian factories earn so little that an entire month's wages would not buy a single item they produce.

Physical and verbal abuse is rife, while female workers who fail to meet impossible targets say they are berated, called "dogs and donkeys", and told to "go and die". Many workers who toil long hours in an attempt to support their families on poverty wages claim they are cheated out of their dues by their employers.

The allegations, which will be of concern to household names including Gap, H&M, Next and Walmart, were made at a human rights tribunal in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru. The "national people's tribunal for living wages and decent working conditions for garment workers" was convened to investigate widespread human rights abuses in the garment industry.

The Observer

Teenager Wows Labour Conference Delegates

A teenager has impressed delegates at the Labour Party Conference, receiving a standing ovation after hitting out at the Government's spending cuts.

Rory Weal (16) made an impassioned speech, tearing into welfare cuts and the abolition of the education maintenance allowance. Party leader Ed Miliband jumped to his feet when the 16-year-old had finished speaking to shake his hand and delegates flocked round him afterwards to offer their congratulations.

"Two-and-a-half years ago, the home I had lived in since birth was repossessed... I owe my entire well-being and that of my family to the welfare state. That is why I joined the Labour Party," Rory said.

Sky News

Anti-labor vote shocks Wisconsin

US Republican lawmakers in the Wisconsin Senate have approved Governor Scott Walker's plan to curb the rights of public sector unions, prompting protesters to storm the state capitol.

In a hastily-arranged special conference committee, Republicans voted 18 to 1 for restrictions on collective bargaining by public employees that Walker has insisted are needed to help the state's cash-strapped municipalities deal with a projected $1.27 billion drop in state aid over the next two years, Reuters reported.
The lawmakers stripped out the parts that required the presence of their 14 absent Democratic colleagues. The measure will now go to the Republican-controlled state assembly, which is expected to vote on the matter on Thursday.
News of the vote drew angry shouts from the protesters outside the chamber. The protesters were trying to force their way inside as police pushed back from the building doors. Senators then left the chamber under police escort.

PressTV