Press Releases

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2012 -- A Bangladeshi labor rights activist and former apparel worker was tortured and murdered last week in Dhaka. His body was dumped outside of the capital city and was found by local police last Thursday.  According to the police report, Aminul Islam's body bore signs of brutal torture. Aminul's family, who had been searching for him since he disappeared last Wednesday, identified him on Saturday from photos appearing in local newspapers. Labor rights organizations in Bangladesh and the United States believe the killing is associated with Aminul's work on behalf of apparel workers who sew garments for suppliers to major U.S. retailers and brands.

Secretive Deal Would End Competition, Punish Consumers with Fewer Choices, Poor Service, Higher Prices for Cable and Online Service

Boston, MA-- Elected officials and advocates spoke out together in Boston on Tuesday to oppose a secretive new deal being cooked up by Verizon subsidiary Verizon Wireless and some of the nation’s biggest cable companies that would lead to higher prices, slower service, and fewer options for Boston Area consumers.  Mayor Thomas Menino, members of community groups, technology organizations, and faith leaders submitted briefs to the FCC on behalf of the community voicing their views.

Somerville, MA~ Local leaders are commending a study released today by Food and Water Watch on community food deserts and Walmart’s PR offensive in urban communities.  Somerville Climate Action, Toxic Action Network, Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, Interfaith Worker Justice, Union of Minority Neighborhoods, and UFCW Local 1445 believe this report highlights the inaccuracies in Walmart’s claims to local communities in Somerville and Boston. 

PEABODY, MA – Calling on a local restaurateur Glaydes Coehlo to pay them wages they say that they are owed, workers will protest Monday in front of their former place of employment, the Firebull restaurant in Peabody Square. The workers will be joined by local labor and community supporters who will ask that Ms. Coehlo pay the workers the full back wages that they are still owed after the restaurant closed. She was previously investigated by the U.S. Labor Department for non-payment of wages.