Workers Rights & Ethics
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Wednesday, 05 October 2022Hanesbrands bails out Haitian garment workers
WINSTON-SALEM – Apparel company Hanesbrands has paid out US$330,000 to compensate more than 800 garment workers in Haiti after the closure of their factory threatened to leave them in poverty. Hanesbrands, which owns brands including Champion,… -
Monday, 03 October 2022New US list highlights forced labour risks
WASHINGTON DC - Uzbekistan cotton has been taken off the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) list of goods believed to be made with forced or child labour - but garments and textiles from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ghana have been added.… -
Thursday, 29 September 2022Textile unions campaign for social protection
MENA - Textile unions in Morocco, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and Palestine have launched a campaign to fight for social protection and better health and safety standards in the region’s textile, garment, shoes and leather (TGSL) factories. Unions in the… -
Monday, 26 September 2022YESS launches standards to tackle forced labour
BERKELEY - The YESS (Yarn Ethically and Sustainably Sourced) project to eliminate forced labour in the cotton industry has released its first standard for fabric mills and updated its standard for spinning mills. The YESS Standard for Fabric Mills:… -
Wednesday, 21 September 2022Minimum wage hike agreed for Cambodia
PHNOM PENH – The minimum wage for garment, footwear and textile workers in Cambodia is to rise to US$200 a month next year, following negotiations between factory owners, trade unions and government officials. Unions had been demanding a US$21 rise… -
Tuesday, 20 September 2022
Tool shows stagnated garment worker wages
AMSTERDAM - Workers' rights campaigners have launched new data which they say highlights how supply chain garment workers are becoming worse off as their wages are eroded by soaring inflation. The Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) has added new data to… -
Tuesday, 20 September 2022IndustriALL urges brands to leave Myanmar
YANGON - The IndustriALL global trade union has written to brands and retailers sourcing from Myanmar urging them to begin negotiations on a responsible exit following a major study into the human rights implications of continuing to do business in… -
Wednesday, 14 September 2022
50 million people in modern slavery - report
GENEVA – Fifty million people were living in modern slavery last year, according to a new joint report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The report says that 28… -
Tuesday, 13 September 2022
Casual garment workers 'denied rights in Turkey'
ISTANBUL - A new report on casual employment in the Turkish garment industry says that working without social security is “ordinary” for garment workers and retirement is "beyond their wildest dreams". The study, from Clean Clothes Campaign Turkey… -
Monday, 12 September 2022ETI urges brands to reassess presence in Myanmar
YANGON - The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is urging brands and retailers sourcing from Myanmar to reassess their presence in the country following what is claimed to be the most comprehensive study so far into the human rights implications. The… -
Friday, 09 September 2022
US lifts import ban on Indian garment maker
WASHINGTON DC — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has lifted an import ban on an Indian garment manufacturer - which supplied major brands including H&M - after officials accepted that forced labour had been eradicated. Natchi Apparel, which is… -
Thursday, 08 September 2022Donations sought for Pakistan cotton farmers
QUETTA – In addition to the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods due to the floods in Pakistan, the unprecedented monsoon rainfall has also damaged crops on over 1 million hectares of land including the province of Balochistan, where 13,000 organic… -
Wednesday, 07 September 2022Nike shareholders urged to halt China sourcing
BEAVERTON - Two ethical investment companies are urging shareholders of sportswear giant Nike to pause the sourcing of cotton and other raw materials from China because of ongoing concerns about the alleged use of forced labour. New York-based… -
Wednesday, 07 September 2022Brands accused of obstructing Accord’s expansion
ISLAMABAD – A new report from the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) has accused leading fashion firms, such as H&M, Inditex, Bestseller and C&A, of obstructing the expansion of the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment… -
Thursday, 01 September 2022
UN releases assessment of Xinjiang
XINJIANG – The United Nations’ Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) has published its assessment of human rights concerns in China’s Xinjiang region, where it’s reported that 1.6 million Uyghur Muslims are being held in the largest… -
Tuesday, 30 August 2022ILO, Nike in bid to protect garment workers
GENEVA - The International Labour Organization (ILO) has linked up with sportswear giant Nike for a new initiative to cut road deaths and injuries among commuting garment and footwear workers. The joint project aims to understand why garment and… -
Thursday, 25 August 2022Cambodian garment workers seek wage hike
PHNOM PENH – Trade unions representing garment workers in Cambodia are demanding a US$21 rise in the minimum wage for their members while factory owners want them held at the current level of US$194 a month. Those are the positions of the two sides… -
Wednesday, 24 August 2022Myanmar coup's toll on unions and civil society
YANGON - The military coup in Myanmar has taken a severe toll on the abilities of trade unions and civil society organisations to protect workers and migrants, according to a new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO). Entitled… -
Wednesday, 24 August 2022Bangladesh suppliers to use Fair Price app
DHAKA - Factory owners in Bangladesh have signed a deal to use the Fair Wear Foundation's Fair Price app which is designed to help negotiate prices with buyers which allow for the payment of a fair wage to garment workers. The Bangladesh Knitwear… -
Tuesday, 23 August 2022New deal on workplace safety in Bangladesh
DHAKA - A new agreement to improve workplace safety and health in Bangladesh has been agreed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). It will cover 10 priority sectors… -
Thursday, 18 August 2022IndustriALL urges brands to support Sri Lanka
COLOMBO - The IndustriALL global trade union federation has added its voice to those urging global apparel brands to continue sourcing from Sri Lanka to help the country through its current economic crisis. People in Sri Lanka currently face daily… -
Tuesday, 16 August 2022China confirms ILO forced labour conventions
GENEVA - China has lodged documents with the International Labour Organization (ILO) confirming its ratification of the organisation's conventions on forced labour amidst ongoing concerns over its use in the Xinjiang region's cotton industry. Martha… -
Tuesday, 16 August 2022Cambodia’s garment sector starts wage talks
PHNOM PENH – Discussions regarding the revised minimum wages of garment workers in Cambodia have started, as union representatives yesterday met with members of the National Minimum Wage Council. The meeting was described by local news outlets as… -
Monday, 15 August 2022
ACT bid to protect workers' rights in Turkey
BERLIN - Members of the ACT initiative, which include 19 global brands and the IndustriALL global union, have today moved to pressure garment and textile factories in Turkey into respecting workers' rights. ACT, which is supported by major fashion… -
Friday, 12 August 202240,000 loom workers strike in Pakistani city
FAISALABAD - More than 40,000 power loom workers in Pakistan's textiles hub city of Faisalabad have gone on strike for improved pay and conditions, according to the IndustriALL global union. The workers have also been demonstrating on the streets of… -
Wednesday, 10 August 2022ETI to publish study on sourcing from Myanmar
YANGON - The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) will later this month publish the findings of what it says is the most comprehensive study so far into the human rights implications of continued sourcing from Myanmar. Brands and retailers Aldi South,… -
Tuesday, 02 August 2022
Framework promotes responsible purchasing practices
GLOBAL – A coalition of social and environmental sustainability non-profits, including Fair Wear and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), have developed a new framework in a bid to align the industry in its understanding of what constitutes… -
Tuesday, 26 July 2022Brands accused of failing to protect workers
YANGON - Fashion brands are failing to protect workers in Myanmar from widespread labour and human rights abuses including wage theft, mandatory overtime, violent attacks, arrest, torture and even death, according to a new report. The Business &… -
Monday, 25 July 2022UK authority assesses Leicester’s textile sector
LEICESTER – The UK’s Low Pay Commission, which advises the government on living and minimum wage levels, has published a new report which assesses the state of Leicester’s garment manufacturing sector after its reputation was tarnished. The paper,… -
Friday, 22 July 2022Esquel setback in case against Xinjiang sanction
WASHINGTON DC - Hong Kong-based textile and apparel manufacturer the Esquel Group has suffered another setback in its bid to overturn US sanctions against one its subsidiaries over alleged links to forced labour in China's Xinjiang region. The US… -
Thursday, 21 July 2022Coalition aims to improve purchasing practices
GLOBAL - An alliance of multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) has drawn up new proposals on responsible purchasing practices in a bid to reduce the negative impacts of the fashion industry on garment workers and suppliers. Ethical Trading Initiative… -
Thursday, 21 July 2022New textile federation to support Leicester suppliers
LEICESTER – Authorities in Leicester have welcomed the formation of a new Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF) which will serve as a “voice for suppliers”. It’s one of many initiatives and activities underway within the city to… -
Tuesday, 19 July 2022Workers’ rights coalition campaigns for living wages
AMSTERDAM – A coalition of workers’ rights organisations have launched what’s said to be the largest European campaign on living wages in a bid to influence legislation within the garment sector. The Good Clothes, Fair Pay campaign – backed by the… -
Thursday, 14 July 2022Garment workers' leader 'targeted by officials'
BANGKOK - A Thai trade union leader has accused the country's authorities of using COVID-19 restrictions to keep workers in line after 1,388 former garment workers won a 'historic' victory to end a 13-month dispute. Owners of the Brilliant Alliance… -
Friday, 08 July 2022
Garment workers go on strike in Myanmar
YANGON - Around 2,000 garment workers have reportedly gone on strike over pay and conditions in what is said to be the first major industrial action in Myanmar since last year's military coup. The workers are employed by the JW factory in Yangon’s… -
Tuesday, 05 July 2022Forced labour fears in Xinjiang factory surge
WASHINGTON DC - A new report claims that China’s efforts to turn the Xinjiang region into a manufacturing powerhouse could make it harder to determine whether products are made with forced labour. The Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) says… -
Tuesday, 05 July 2022Cambodian workers set for wage talks amidst inflation
PHNOM PENH – Labour unions in Cambodia will reportedly request a US$10-20 wage increase for garment workers at upcoming talks with authorities. Tripartite talks between the government and representatives of employers and workers are expected to get… -
Friday, 01 July 2022ETI appoints Mary Creagh as its new chair
LONDON - Former British MP Mary Creagh, who led the 2018 Environmental Audit Committee's (EAC) inquiry into the fashion industry, has been appointed as the new chair of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). Creagh was appointed by the ETI board this… -
Friday, 01 July 2022Supply countries among worst for worker rights
BRUSSELS - Garment manufacturing countries Bangladesh and Myanmar are among the 10 worst counties in the world for workers' rights, according to the 2022 edition of the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) Global Rights Index. The ITUC,… -
Friday, 01 July 2022Study shows need to expand Accord to Pakistan
KARACHI - Campaigners say a new study on factory safety for garment and textile workers highlights the need to expand the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry to Pakistan. The Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC)… -
Thursday, 30 June 2022PVH Corp invests in supplier improvements
NEW YORK – Fashion conglomerate PVH Corp, which owns the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein brands, has partnered with HSBC to launch a supply chain financing programme that it’s hoped will accelerate the uptake of ‘sustainable’ environmental and… -
Wednesday, 29 June 2022Unionisation rights declining, rights index says
YANGON – Workers’ rights abuses have reached record highs in supply chain countries including Myanmar, according to the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) latest Global Rights Index. Restrictions on the right to establish or be… -
Tuesday, 28 June 2022Fast Retailing backs ILO project in Bangladesh
DHAKA - Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing has announced its support for a new International Labour Organization (ILO) initiative to enhance social security protection for garment workers in Bangladesh. Fast Retailing is backing the Employment Injury… -
Thursday, 23 June 2022
Garment workers win 'historic' wage victory
KARACHI - Garment workers in Pakistan's textiles hub of Sindh province have won what campaigners declared to be a "historic" 40 per cent hike in the minimum wage. The Sindh Minimum Wage Board's decision to increase unskilled workers minimum pay -… -
Thursday, 23 June 2022ILO change will 'benefit garment workers'
GENEVA - The International Labour Organization's (ILO) decision to extend its 'Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work' to include a safe working environment will make a real difference to the world's garment workers, according to the Ethical… -
Wednesday, 22 June 2022Pilot to protect garment workers in Bangladesh
DHAKA - Garment workers in Bangladesh are to receive enhanced social security protection in the event of injuries at work following the launch of a new pilot scheme backed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO and German… -
Tuesday, 21 June 2022
Columbia supplier accused of worker violations
KUPPAM - Garment workers at a factory in India which exclusively supplies US brand Columbia Sportswear are paid illegally low wages and subjected to verbal use and sexual harassment, according to a new report. Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA)… -
Monday, 20 June 2022
Garment worker study attracts £1.3m funding
NOTTINGHAM - An academic at the University of Nottingham has been awarded almost £1.3 million (US$1.6m) to investigate the threats posed to female garment workers in global apparel supply chains. Dr Sabina Lawreniuk's four-year research project is… -
Thursday, 16 June 2022
Turkish garment workers 'earn poverty pay'
ISTANBUL - Turkish workers making garments for global brands - including Adidas, C&A, Hugo Boss, H&M, Zara owner Inditex, Levi’s, Marks & Spencer, Next, Nike and Primark - are earning only a quarter of the living wage, according to campaigners. The… -
Friday, 10 June 2022Project recycles plastic waste into buttons
BENGALURU - A partnership funded by the H&M Foundation claims to have improved the lives of 20,000 waste pickers in India while recycling discarded plastic into millions of new buttons for the fashion industry. Saamuhika Shakti was launched two…
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