CCC announces court case against Levi's for misleading claims
Today, 21 April 2026, the Dutch office of the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) network filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against denim giant Levi Strauss. CCC’s core argument is that Levi’s has used misleading claims on the labour conditions in its supply chain when advertising its products to Dutch consumers. CCC is joined by four individual consumers who purchased Levi’s products on the basis of these misleading claims.
Both online and in Dutch stores, Levi’s made consumer-facing statements about responsible production and respect for workers’ rights, such as the right to freely join a trade union. These statements convinced consumers they were buying from an ethical brand.
Read more about the case or donate to make the lawsuit possible.
The consumers became aware the misleading nature of these claims in 2025, when CCC launched a campaign amplifying stories of severe worker repression at a Turkish factory producing exclusively for Levi's. In 2023 these workers, who peacefully protested for better working conditions, were met with violence and later fired. The hundreds of affected workers are still demanding compensation. According to labour watchdog Worker Rights Consortium, and to Levi’s own code of conduct, Levi’s should have remedied the violations of workers’ fundamental rights and freedoms at work.
“Levi’s gave me the impression that they care about social responsibility. Knowing what happened in Türkiye, I feel misled and don’t feel proud of my purchase anymore.” said Patrick van Klink, one of the participating consumers. “Levi’s should stay true to its promises”, he added.
According to Funda Bakiş, who was employed at the Levi’s supplier for four years, “We were laid off because we used our right to organise. At home I live with seven siblings. At some point we could not even meet our most basic needs. We went through very difficult times with my family. We asked Levi’s for help, but they did not hear our voice.”
Advocates for the Turkish workers, including their trade union and CCC, have repeatedly asked Levi's to take action, but the case still has not been remedied. Bego Demir (CCC Türkiye) recalls: “I’ve seen with my own eyes that the reality for workers making Levi’s jeans is very different from how the brand presents it.”
Emma Vogt, campaigner at CCC, explains: “Dutch law protects consumers against misleading claims. In this case there’s a clear contrast between Levi’s statements and its response to a concrete violation of their own code of conduct and international labour standards. From our perspective, Levi’s remedying the situation for the workers in Türkiye is the best way to rectify their false advertising.”
CCC is now awaiting a first hearing date in court. The NGO emphasises that they remain available if Levi’s is interested to re-engage in constructive dialogue.
The Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) supports the proceedings and has provided factual research to assist the case. Although it is not acting as a legal representative or co-claimant, and will not take procedural steps, it continues to contribute in a supportive capacity.
CCC is organising a webinar on Wednesday, May 6th at 2pm CET for the business and human rights community. Details will be added to this page soon.