In our ongoing commitment to providing insight into the evolving landscape of labour rights within the textile and garment industry, we offer updates on the latest developments and progress, with a particular focus on developments in Bangladesh. Among other intriguing topics, this edition brings attention to the German government’s recent reversal on due diligence regulations and to one of the worst union busting cases in years by Özak Tekstil factory.
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This article published in “Sustainability” investigates gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) factories, highlighting the lack of managerial and governmental attention to these issues despite industry reforms. Using qualitative methods, the research reveals ineffective implementation of existing regulations, leading to longstanding GBVH and negatively impacting female workers' well-being, contributing to their high turnover rates.
This first ever Social Benchmark by the World Benchmarking Alliance assesses the world’s 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility to meet society’s fundamental expectations towards respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically.
Worker representation in Asia’s Garment Sector and the Role of Fashion Brands and Employers (pdf)
The report by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre discusses the fashion industry's need to adapt to supply chain disruptions, climate change, geopolitical shifts, and regulatory changes by incorporating genuine worker representation and engagement, especially in light of the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
German Government's Growth Package Weakens Supply Chain Law
With the argument of a significant reduction in bureaucratic costs, two thirds of the companies previously affected will no longer be subject to the German Due Diligence law from January 1, 2025. Finance Minister Lindner announced: "All rules that go beyond the German Supply Chain Act and are contained in the European Directive will be implemented at the latest possible date under European law". However, a legal opinion commissioned by Germanwatch and Oxfam came to the conclusion that this could breach an important provision of the EU directive.
Worst Union Busting Case in Years by Özak Tekstil Factory
The Worker Rights Consortium has exposed Özak Tekstil, a major Levi's supplier in Turkey, for orchestrating what's described as the worst union-busting case in recent memory. The report details egregious violations including mass firings, intimidation tactics against workers seeking union representation, and withholding of severance payments. See also further details about how Levi's never made good on its promise to cease production: Trail of broken promises: Levi’s denies justice to unlawfully fired workers in Türkiye.
Hugo Boss plans to produce more clothing in Europe and America again in order to reduce geopolitical risks.
Could Digital Product Passports Aid the Climate Emergency in Bangladesh’s RMG Industry?
Ranked as one of the most extreme disaster risk-prone countries in the world, Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG) industry is facing severe climate-induced economic threats. This article explores whether European-style Digital Product Passports (DPPs) could ensure economic stability, environmental sustainability, and informed consumers.
Justice Eludes Murdered Union Leader as Brands Evade Accountability
One year after the murder of Bangladeshi union leader Shahidul Islam, labour rights groups condemn fashion brands and the government for their lack of action as brands continue to produce in the respective factory, among them New Yorker and the DK company.
ILO's Advancing Decent Work and Employment Injury Scheme Projects
Study Reveals Inefficiency of Textile Effluent Treatment Plants in Dhaka and Surroundings
Textile factories are discharging significant amounts of microplastic fibers into local water bodies and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) are unable to effectively remove these microfibers, a new study shows.
Heat Stress in Tamil Nadu’s Garment Factories: Impact on Women Workers
In Tamil Nadu’s garment factories, high temperatures and inadequate working conditions are affecting the well-being and productivity of women workers. Read about the steps being proposed to improve workplace safety and support for these essential workers.
Amazon Warehouse Workers Demand Urgent Measures to Combat Extreme Heat Conditions
A comprehensive survey by UNI Global Union, the Amazon Workers India Association (AIWA), and Jarrow Insights uncovers significant challenges faced by Amazon India workers. The study highlights that nearly 90% of employees struggle with inadequate bathroom breaks and overwhelming productivity pressures. AIWA demands urgent measures to protect warehouse workers as they report being forced to take an oath to meet targets without breaks for water or washrooms under intense heat.
Harassment and Legal Threats Against CENTRAL
Government-aligned unions in Cambodia have begun harassing and threatening legal action against the labour rights organization Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL). This alarming backlash follows the release of CENTRAL's recent report, titled “Barriers to Representation: Freedom of Association in Cambodia”, which highlights violations of freedom of association (pdf) in the country. Following the respective complaints, the National Audit Authority will audit CENTRAL, at the request of the Ministry of the Interior. CENTRAL published a statement of clarification.
ASICS Supplier Factory in Cambodia Imprisons Worker for Union Activity
A Cambodian factory supplying global sportswear brand ASICS has been implicated in the imprisonment of a worker for attempting to form a union. ASICS allowed the supplier factory to have the worker sentenced to one year in prison which has drawn widespread condemnation from labour rights organizations highlighting the urgent need for multinational companies to take responsibility in ensuring the uphold of fundamental labour standards.
Cambodian Leader's Accusations Put Adidas in Spotlight for Labor Practices
German national television documented Cambodian labour leader Sithyneth Ry's advocacy tour at the Adidas Annual General Meeting, highlighting serious allegations of worker exploitation and wage theft by the global sportswear giant. The documentary is available partially in English for those able to set their geo-location to Germany.
Due to the current 'silly season', there are no updates for the 'network & events' section. We invite you to contribute events and networking opportunities for future editions by contacting us at Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Our News Update is a monthly publication that serves as a chronicle of news, insights, and analysis, striving to amplify the voices of workers and advocating for meaningful change within the textile industry. This is an open invitation to all interested parties who wish to support an ambitious, sustainable textile industry and become part of this new network. If you have suggestions for specific topics or wish to submit news or information under the "Network" category, please feel free to write to Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Textile Insight is a part of the Multi-Actor Partnership for Improved Due Diligence Implementation in the Textile Sector, a collaboration between Bangladeshi partners ESDO and BILS along with German civil society organizations HEJSupport, INKOTA-netzwerk e.V., SÜDWIND e.V., and FEMNET e.V. Further project partners include WageIndicator, MFNV and BLF.
Our project focuses on community- and worker-based monitoring to address labour rights violations and environmental risks from a rights holders' perspective. The aim is to improve working and living conditions and enhance the due diligence of purchasing brands.