PROTESTERS gathered outside the Levi’s shop in London’s busy Regent Street on Saturday against the mistreatment of the fashion giant’s factory workers in Turkey.

The protest organised by Solidarity with the People of Turkey (Spot) was part of an international day of action to demand Levi’s and Spanish-owned fashion chain Zara take action on behalf of Ozak Textile workers, who have been on strike since November 27 for their right to organise under the union of their choice.

Ozak factory workers have faced unfair dismissals, cuts to pay, violent arrests and even attacks with tear gas and rubber bullets by the Turkish military.

The action was the third in the capital and campaigners say that they will continue their protests until the companies either cut ties with the manufacturer or put pressure to end the violence.

A Spot spokeswoman said: “We are demanding that the companies respect the labour behind their label and take action to protect its workers.

“Trade unionism is internationalism. We would not allow Levi’s retail staff to be treated this way in Britain [so] we must not allow the invisible workers abroad to be attacked either.”

The protest was supported by the Unite migrant workers branch and the National Shop Stewards Network.