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9 Dec 2024

Jordan: Apparel brands respond to allegations of migrant worker abuse incl. extremely long hours, denial of leave & unreachable production targets

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In September 2024, Swedish newspaper Arbetaren reported on conditions for female migrant workers at two factories in Jordan, owned by Atlanta MNF Garment and Jerash Holdings. Both factories were located in the Al-Tajamouat industrial area outside Amman and workers in both reportedly poor working and living conditions.

Allegations of labour abuse included extremely long working hours of up to 14 hours a day and not receiving holidays during a three year contract, only to then be allowed only unpaid leave to return home. A worker who did not take her leave said she had not received the agreed compensation from her employer. Workers also said taking sick leave was practically difficult, with a doctor's certificate required. Workers also said production targets were difficult to achieve and failure to do so resulted in abusive behaviour from management who become angry. Reportedly workers wanted to complain but were afraid to speak up for fear of losing their jobs, and they are not allowed to use phones or talk to colleagues inside the factory. In worker accommodation, kitchen amenities reportedly were not functioning.

A response from Jerash Holdings to the reporting was published in Arbetaren subsequently. Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited the brands named in the Arbetaren reporting to respond to the allegations. Responses from Adidas, New Balance, PVH and VF Corporation can be read in full below.

Company Responses

adidas View Response
VF Corporation View Response
New Balance View Response
PVH (Phillips-Van Heusen) View Response

Timeline