Issues

What is going on in the international supply chain of fashion? In many countries, a job in a factory producing clothing for the fashion industry is a sought-after position. But garment workers across the world face a daily grind of excessive hours, forced overtime, lack of job security, poverty wages, denial of trade union rights, poor health, exhaustion, sexual harassment and hazardous working places. Even in factories which on the surface look clean and modern, workers are often deprived of their internationally-recognised basic rights. Learn more about the conditions workers face here.

Working hours and overtime: 96-hour workweeks

We work overtime every day. During peak season, we work until 2 or 3 am. Although we’re exhausted, we have no choice. We cannot refuse overtime: our basic wages are just too low. • Phan, 22 describing his employment situation in a Thai factory

International Laws: Guidelines to resolve disputes

A number of international and intergovernmental guidelines have been developed in recent years in an attempt to regulate how brands do business and the impact their business practices have on local communities. Although these guidelines are voluntary, there are several mechanisms in place that address violations of international rules and regulations.

Unions: The Right to Organise and work together

Workers are not allowed to form a union or any other organisation. Management has warned them that if anyone tries to organise workers and form a union they would be handed over to the police. • A factory worker from Bangladesh

Migrants: In Depth

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Bangladesh Safety Accord

A collection of FAQs about the Accord of Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh

Migrants: Workers on the move

They took us to the airport and left us there for three days. We couldn’t travel, because we didn’t have tickets. Armed gunmen, who we were told were from the armed forces, threatened us. We feared we would be shot if we continued to protest. We were then rounded up in a camp. • Factory worker in Mauritius

Brands: What companies (should) do

The CCC believes that brands should be responsible for the working conditions in their factories and thus must ensure that working conditions in their supply chains are decent and resolve problems when they arise. Brands must respect internationally recognised norms as established by the ILO and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Wages: a living wage and severance pay

If they think these wages are enough, they should try to live on them for a month and then decide whether they’re OK. • Pakistani factory worker, 18

Health and Safety: Getting sick and risking lives

It was terrible; suddenly the entire floor filled up with fire and smoke and the heat was so intense that we rushed towards the windows, broke the steel grills and the glass and jumped out. • Mohammad, 32, survivor of a factory fire in Pakistan

Gender: Women workers mistreated

Women can be made to dance like puppets, but men cannot be abused in the same way. The owners do not care if we ask for something, but demands raised by the men must be given some consideration. So they do not employ male workers • Female, Bangladeshi factory worker