1200 workers at a Bangladeshi garment factory, Global Garments, were laid off in October 2020 by the management, allegedly to dismantle one of the most established unions in the sector. The factory union was part of the Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation (BIGUF), which is an affiliate of IndustriALL Global Union.

The workers had previously been laid off for a total of 79 days between March and October 2020, and paid half their regular wages for these days. The union's request to keep the factory operating at limited capacity was allegedly not heeded and the factory was instead closed down. The factory belonged to the Azim Group and was reportedly supplying Amazon and Kohl’s.

Workers have demanded the reopening of the factory, rehiring of the union members and payments of back wages owed to them.

BHRRC reached out to the brands reportedly sourcing from Global Garments prior to its closure, to respond to the allegations. Amazon's response is available here. Kohl's was invited to respond but did not.