The Palestinian workers of a large Israeli textile company, which operates in the West Bank settlement Barqan, complain of rights violations. Male workers receive 9-11 shekels per hour, and women receive 6-8 shekels – less than one third of the minimum wage (1 shekel = $0.28). Workers do not receive pay slips, and do not enjoy legally warranted benefits such as paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays and overtime. This violates the Israeli High Court of Justice decision from October 2007, which extends Israeli labour laws to Palestinians employed by Israelis in West Bank settlements.

Despite repeated complaints, the employer has not acted to improve work terms. The workers organized, and 47 of them placed a lawsuit against the factory in April 2008. In July the factory management responded by dismissing 38 workers, who were later rehired following a court order applied for by NGO Kav LaOved (Worker’s Hotline).

The workers also complain of poor safety conditions, no breaks, poor ventilation and lighting, noise and dust. As a result workers suffer back and limbs pain, as well as hearing and respiratory problems. The workers also complain that the factory does not have suitable toilets and food facilities.