As the pandemic slows down and lifes gradually returns to normal, there has been a rise in issues when it comes to the fashion industry and the manufacturing of clothing. There has been an increase in labor abuse against workers, as well as threats made against trade unions.
Following the retail shutdown that occurred early during the pandemic in 2020, fashion brands had faced backflash due to having to cancel orders and delays. Brands are struggling with the rise of costs, along with excess inventory and unpredictable consumer demand. These cancellations and delays have left workers in manufacturing companies without pay. This is not the only issue that is prevalent, as the safety of workers has grown in concern, workers are less likely to unionize because they fear that they may lose their jobs. In a report published by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), workers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka have said that freedom of association and collective bargaining are under attack, and there has also been more instances of discrimination, intimidation, harrassment, and threats against trade union members along with an increase in gender-based violence. Brands have recognized the rights covered by the BHRRC and in some instances have upheld these rights, but in other instances, brands have failed to address violations.
Brands have recently shifted their focus to communicate that they are sustainable and environmentally friendly, and have policies that detail their strategies to achieve and maintain sustainability, but often leave out how they plan to monitor the protection of their workers. Workers' wellbeing is often a passing mention and there does not appear to be a strong focus on the treatment of workers or the conditions that they have to work under. There’s a lack of enforcement within these policies and it is difficult for workers to speak out against their mistreatment. There’s a risk in joining a union, and unions are losing their fight against their employers. The number of unions have increased, but there is virtually nothing to show for it. Collective bargaining agreements aren’t being signed, and when workers go to organize, they have been met with “union-busting”, with mass firings occurring and criminal charges being issued to workers. Brands are refusing to engage with unions and have been known to suppress or intimidate workers to prevent them from unionizing or joining a union.
Workers have been treated unfairly before the pandemic, and as brands start to return to normal, workers have faced even more mistreatment. The lack of communication, refusal to pay workers, general working conditions being worse, and the lack of stability is once again at the forefront of fashion manufacturing and are issues that can no longer be ignored.
Sources
Kommentare