Take action now to condemn the kidnapping of a trade union leader at a M&S supplier factory in India and to call for his attackers to be brought to justice. The kidnapping is part of a brutal attack against 60 workers, which took place as they arrived for work at the Viva Global factory in Gurgaon, India on August 25th 2010.


The workers were attacked by thugs brandishing hockey sticks and lathis* as they arrived for their shift at 9:30am Delhi time on the 25th August 2010. One of the thugs has been identified as the labour contractor used by Viva Global to provide workers to the factory. Sixteen women were severely beaten and Anwar Ansari, a trade union leader was kidnapped.

The attack follows several months of campaigning by the Garment and Allied Workers Union (GAWU) to get improvements in conditions at Viva Global. Workers complained of excessive and forced overtime, low wages, a lack of water to drink and in the toilets. In June 2010 a woman was burned with acid at the factory after picking up an unmarked bottle she believed to be water to use in the toilet.

Harassment of union members, including threats of dismissal, violence and even death has been increasing at the factory in recent weeks. On Monday 23rd August Viva Global management attempted to prevent workers from entering the factory and made threats against union leaders and workers, who were warned they would be beaten or even shot if they continued their campaign.

Bristol campaign group Labour Behind the Label are supporting a protest in London this Saturday at 11am. If anyone can get down there the idea is to demonstrate outside M&S at 173 Oxford St and deliver action cards to the M&S headquarters. Please do try and swell the numbers or spread the word to those who may be able to make it.