CCC condemns escalating repression of unionists amid wage strikes Bangladesh
Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) is today raising concerns about the safety of trade union leaders and workers in Bangladesh, after a number of labour activists and workers were arrested on apparently arbitrary grounds. The arrests have come in the wake of a week of unrest, as thousands of workers in the Ashulia area of Dhaka went on strike to demand higher wages.
Victory: Company drops legal case against Romanian journalist reporting on dire working conditions
An international campaign convinced the Italian-owned factory Maglierie Cristian Impex in Romania to drop the trial against a Romanian investigative journalist for reporting on dire working conditions in one of the largest producers of garments in Romania. The factory employs around 900 people and produces for luxury brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Marco Polo and LaCoste, but also for high street fashion brands such as Zara and Bershka.
Free the Tipitapa 12: Nicaraguan workers prosecuted after peaceful protest
Last Friday 16th December the twelve workers accused as a consequence of the riot police intervention in a labour conflict in the Korean-owned SAE-A garment factory in Nicaragua in June, received their sentence. CCC continues to demand that all charges be dropped.
CCC urge EU to address Sri Lanka's labour violations prior to re-admission GSP+
Clean Clothes Campaign, IndustriALL Global Union and the International Trade Union Confederation urge the European Union to adopt a roadmap for Sri Lanka with time-bound measures to comply with the ILO core conventions before the country can benefit from GSP+. Sri Lanka is currently in serious breach of those conventions.
Four years since the Tazreen factory fire: justice only half done
Today four years ago, a fire broke out in the Tazreen Fashions garment factory in Bangladesh. Exits were closed, which meant that the women and men working inside were trapped and could only escape by jumping from upper floor windows. 113 workers died, many more were injured. They were stitching clothes for Walmart, El Corte Ingles, KiK, C&A and many more western brands.
Thirteen people risk three years in prison after violent intervention of riot police in Nicaragua
Last night thirteen people who were arrested during the violent repression from riot police in the Korean owned company SAE-Technotex SA in June in Nicaragua were found guilty and face three years in prison. Monday the sentence will be announced.
Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety overstates progress while workers' lives remain at risk
An analysis published by labour rights organizations today reveals considerable delays in repairing safety defects in factories supplying member companies of the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety. Even more concerning is the fact that the Alliance overstates progress: many of the factories listed as "on track" on the Alliance website still face major safety hazards. This means that hundred thousands of workers stitching clothes for Walmart, Gap, VF Corporation, Target and Hudson's Bay Company, and their European subsidiaries Asda (Walmart), Galeria Kaufhof and Galeria Inno (both HBC), continue to work in hazardous conditions. These brands, despite knowing about these risks for a considerable time, have failed to make sure these factories are safe.
CCC statement on the use of Syrian workers in high street supply chains
Clean Clothes Campaign welcomes the attention received by the recent BBC Panorama investigation into the exploitation of Syrian refugees, including children, within the supply chains of major European clothing retailers. We are calling on the Turkish government, the European Union and all major clothing brands to make sure adequate protections are in place that guarantee full respect of the rights of Syrian workers that will continue to be employed in the production of our clothing.
Chinese Labour Rights activists still in prison
We are calling for the release of Meng Han, Labour Rights Activist who was imprisoned by the Chinese government after his support for workers at a Chinese shoe factory led to a successful strike and negotiation with management. Brands sourcing from the Lide Shoe factory need to step in to ensure human rights are respected.
Japanese sports brand Mizuno target of #NeverStopPushing campaign
Update 12 Oct 2016: Today, four days prior to the Amsterdam marathon of which Mizuno is the main sponsor, Mizuno responded negatively to the request of Clean Clothes Campaign to meet the union and settle the case with the workers, instead referring to the Indonesian group Panarub claiming the case is closed. In light of Mizuno's refusal, CCC continues to mobilise their supporters to urge Mizuno to settle the case.
CCC reaction to the launch of children's clothing collection by H&M and WWF
On 29th of September, H&M and WWF have launched a new collection of children's clothing aimed at leading the way toward a more environmentally friendly garment industry. While H&M and WWF attempt to reduce water pollution and promote closed loop recycling management, core problems of their 'fast fashion' model are not addressed. H&M continues to pursue a business model that relies heavily on high sales volumes, rapid growth rates and overconsumption, and is therefore truly unsustainable at heart. The Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) fears that the company is once again profiting from a marketing opportunity that will lead to little change for affected people and may mislead consumers.
Labour rights violations in H&M's "best in class" supplier factories in Cambodia
Working conditions in garment factories in Cambodia supplying H&M are far from decent even in those that H&M considers to be «best in class». This is the conclusion of a report released by Cambodian NGO Center for Alliance of Labor & Human Rights (CENTRAL) and Future In Our Hands, which represents Clean Clothes Campaign in Norway. The report «When 'best' is far from good enough» is based on interviews with workers and describes labour rights violations in four of H&M's key suppliers in Cambodia.
Compensation arrangement agreed for victims of the Ali Enterprise factory fire in Pakistan
An agreement in excess of US$5 million has been reached to provide compensation for loss of income, medical and allied care as well as rehabilitation, to the victims of one of the worst industrial accidents in Pakistan. It results from the ILO facilitation and coordination of consultations during a recent mission to Pakistan from 25 July to 5 August.
Labour groups respond to explosion at the Tampaco Foils Factory in Bangladesh
Worker Rights Consortium, the International Labor Rights Forum, Clean Clothes Campaign, and the Maquila Solidarity Network respond to the explosion at the Tampaco Foils Factory in Bangladesh on 10 September 2016.
Landmark compensation arrangement reached on 4th anniversary of deadly Pakistan factory fire
After four years of campaigning and months of negotiations, an agreement has been reached to pay compensation in excess of US$5 million to the survivors and families of workers killed in Pakistan's worst industrial accident.
Four Chinese activists to stand on trial: speaker tour in UK
Four of the activists who were arrested in Guangdong, China in December last year during a crack down on civil society are to stand on trial soon. In the December incident, more than 50 activists were interrogated and seven were detained or went missing. Next week, Chinese women activists are touring the UK to talk about garment workers in China and the Chinese arrests.
CCC condemns act of violence in Free Trade Zone in Nicaragua
Clean Clothes Campaign strongly condemns the acts of the Nicaraguan government who in a display of violence in response to the call of the Walmart supplier Korean-owned company SAE - A Technotex SA, on June 27, 2016 sent the riot policy into their factory to repress a peaceful workers' protest for improved workers conditions, such us drinking water, realistic production targets, and the reinstatement of two unionised workers.
Sample letter to request intervention of Embassies / EU delegations in Thailand
Please, use the draft letter below to request the intervention of your embassy / EU delegation in Thailand, before Friday July 22. A list of EU embassies in Thailand can be found here: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/thailand/eu_travel/embassies/index_en.htm Also Switzerland and Turkey have embassies in Thailand: https://www.eda.admin.ch/bangkok http://bangkok.emb.mfa.gov.tr/
CCC calls upon Thai military junta to stop harassment of organisers
Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) calls upon the authorities to demand the Thai military junta to stop arresting workers when they exercise their rights to freedom of expression, and to guarantee a transparent and fair referendum for the planned constitutional reform. On June 23, 2016, three board members of Triumph International Thailand Trade Union and ten human rights activists and students where arrested by the military police at the market of Kan Keha Bang Phli Community on the eastern outskirt of Bangkok,while distributing leaflets to encourage workers to exercise their right to vote from distant in the upcoming referendum to be held on August 7, 2016. As most of factory workers come from other provinces, by registering for distance voting, they would not have to go back to their hometown to vote and thus would be able to vote in the area where they work.
CCC condemns assassination Cambodian activist
Clean Clothes Campaign is shocked by the murder of Kem Ley, a Cambodian political analyst and ally of the labour movement. He was shot in broad daylight on Sunday early morning, just days after Kem Ley spoke on a radio talk show on the prime minister's possible involvement in corruption and after being involved in the Black Monday Movement.
Payment on claims from survivors and families affected by Tazreen factory fire completed
Clean Clothes Campaign and the International Labor Rights Forum are delighted to report that a scheme set up to provide compensation to people affected by the Tazreen Fashions fire of 2012 has now completed its work of providing loss of income payments to all injured workers and to the dependants of those who were killed.
Nike, adidas and Puma's workers earn poverty wages to pay for European championship endorsements
The three main sportswear sponsors of the UEFA European championship 2016, Nike, adidas and Puma, pay poverty wages to the workers that stitch their shirts, shows a report by Collectif Ethique sur l'étiquette (Clean Clothes Campaign in France), presented in English today. The report 'Foul Play' exposes the adverse impact on workers of a business model based on low labour costs and relocation to countries with the lowest wages and weak labour regulation. At the same time these brands invest massively in endorsement deals with players, national teams and clubs. Nike, adidas and Puma's prime concern is economic performance and profit, which will be considerable during the European championship, while the workers come off worst.
Clean Clothes Campaign condemns murder of Guatemalan labour activist
Clean Clothes Campaign is shocked and highly concerned by the murder of trade union activist Brenda Marleni Estrada Tambito last month. Her murder was one in a range of trade union activist killings and harassments in Guatemala in the last years. In a letter to the Guatemalan President Clean Clothes Campaign condemns the murder and urges to bring the responsible to justice. In a letter to the Guatemalan labour movement, it expressed its solidarity in these difficult times.
Fairtrade Textile Standard falls short on living wage guarantees
On 28 June 2016 Fairtrade announced 3 German brands are ready to sign up to the Fairtrade Textile Standard: 3Freunde, Shirts for Life and Melawear. Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) reiterates its criticism on the lack of solid guarantees that workers that produce clothes under the Fairtrade Textile Standard have received a living wage.
Clean Clothes Campaign urges the establishment of institutional frameworks for remediation and prevention
At the International Labour Conference (ILC), starting today in Geneva, Clean Clothes Campaign will call upon the representatives of governments, employers' and workers' organizations from 187 member states to establish institutional and enforcement frameworks that enable effective remedy after and prevention of disasters in global supply chains. Clean Clothes Campaign welcomes the fact that for the first time in the long history of the ILC, global supply chain issues are a main focus of the conference, and follows the work of the Committee on Decent Work in Global Supply Chains with heightened interest.
Three years after signing Bangladesh Accord, H&M factories still not safe
As H&M shareholders prepare to meet in Sweden tomorrow, the Clean Clothes Campaign, International Labor Rights Forum, Maquila Solidarity Network, and Worker Rights Consortium have released a report showing that the majority of H&M's Bangladeshi supplier factories are still not safe. Three years after H&M became the first signatory to the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, almost all of its factories remain behind schedule in carrying out the mandated renovations, with 70% of its strategic suppliers still lacking such a vital, life-saving feature as adequate fire exits. On the day of H&M's Annual General Meeting, activists around the world will make their concerns known at their local H&M store.
Five years on, international organizations renew their call for the release of Somyot Phrueksakasemsuk
On the eve of the five-year anniversary of his detention, we, the undersigned international organizations, condemn the ongoing and arbitrary deprivation of liberty of human rights defender Somyot Phrueksakasemsuk and call on Thailand's authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him.
Unions Cambodia condemn violence used on peaceful protesters
After the controversial new Trade Union Law was passed on 4 April, unions call on brands to continue pushing the Government to consider the independent trade unions' proposal for improvements on the proposed draft of trade union law in line with the Constitution and international laws. They condemn the violence that was used against peaceful protesters by the security guards.
CCC dissappointed by lack of action transparency EU
On the 25th of April 2016, the European Commission launched its flagship initiative to promote responsible management of the supply chain in garment. The Clean Clothes Campaign continues to urge the Commission to create real transparency in the garment sector.
Three years after Rana Plaza solidarity and struggle are still needed
Today, on the third anniversary of the Rana Plaza tragedy, the Clean Clothes Campaign reiterates its solidarity with the survivors and the families of the 1,134 killed when the building they were working in collapsed on 24 April 2013. Over the past three years the Clean Clothes Campaign has fought with these families to demand and win compensation for their losses, and we will continue to support their ongoing struggle to attain full justice. Above all, we continue to press for the structural changes that are vital to prevent catastrophes like these from happening in the future.
Rana Plaza three years on: the struggle for justice and safety is not over
As the third anniversary of the Rana Plaza building collapse approaches, the Clean Clothes Campaign is releasing a comprehensive update on the efforts that have been taken by workers, governments, trade unions, activists and brands to demand improvements to the Bangladesh garment industry and to get justice for the families affected by this horrendous disaster.
Labour groups demand H&M deliver "safety conscious" fashion
Labour rights groups in Europe, Bangladesh and North America are today launching a call for consumers to participate in a global day of action on May 3rd. The protests, which will coincide with H&M's 2016 Annual General Meeting in Solna, Sweden, will demand H&M finally keep its promises to make its Bangladeshi supplier factories safe. A review of corrective action plans relating to 32 of H&M's strategic suppliers, carried out this week, shows that the majority of these factories still lack adequate fire exits nearly three years after H&M committed to improve working conditions by signing the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety.
Open letter to all brands sourcing from Cambodia
Clean Clothes Campaign published an open letter to all brands in Cambodia to publicly support freedom of association and independent unions in Cambodia. We call upon the brands, representatives for H&M, Inditex, C&A, Levi Strauss, Marks & Spencer, Tchibo, Primark and other brands to widely disseminate a public support statement, for a Trade Union Law which fully complies with ILO Conventions 87 and 98 as a condition for future sourcing from the country.
New Fairtrade Standard will not benefit garment workers
Fairtrade International announced to publish its new Fairtrade Textile Standard on 22 March 2016. Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) raised concerns and gave detailed input during the Standard's development and remains critical today. In order to improve working conditions, a sector-wide approach is needed and corporate behavior has to change, not only some selected supply chains.
Mizuno denies support to unfairly dismissed Indonesian workers
Japanese sports brand Mizuno, celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, continues to refuse to help 346 Indonesian workers who were unfairly dismissed after a strike in 2012. Some of the women, who have been working for years on Mizuno sportswear, lost their homes and families after the company producing for Mizuno sacked them. Adidas, another buyer at the factory at the time, also refuses to support the workers.
What happened to the workers in Indonesia?
Read the insights about the 346 women and men in Indonesia demanding fair compensation from sportswear brands Mizuno and adidas, after they were intimidated and lost their jobs in 2012.
Statement: Clean Clothes Campaign condemns charges against trade unionists in Cambodia
Clean Clothes Campaign strongly condemns the recent attacks on workers and trade unionists in Cambodia and is particularly concerned about the targeting of trade union leaders such as Ath Thorn and Athit Kong (Cambodian Labour Confederation). Clean Clothes Campaign has protested the harassment in letters to the Cambodian Government and the EU delegation and European embassies in Cambodia.
Initial statement regarding fire at Matrix Sweaters Factory
The Clean Clothes Campaign, the International Labor Rights Forum, the Maquila Solidarity Network, and the Worker Rights Consortium are deeply disturbed to hear of another serious fire breaking out at a garment factory in Bangladesh – the factory supplies H&M and JC Penney, according to public records. The fire service is reporting that some injuries were sustained, but no details have been provided to date.
European garment workers face forced overtime and poverty wages
The text "Made in Europe" on a label is frequently perceived as a guarantee of good working conditions in the production of garments. However, two new country researches of Clean Clothes Campaign into working conditions in Poland and the Czech Republic show that workers in the garment industry in the European Union get poverty wages and are confronted with forced overtime which sometimes goes unpaid.
Bangladeshi factories remain unsafe: H&M suppliers fail on deadlines to address safety hazards
As Swedish fashion giant H&M prepares to announce a predicted increase in their profits for 2015, labour rights groups are calling on the company to do more to protect garment workers in Bangladesh, after a review of H&M's strategic suppliers shows that severe delays in carrying out urgent and vital building repairs continue to leave tens of thousands of workers at risk of death and injury.