Labor workers in Asia are facing additional difficulties as brands immediately ‘abandon’ them amid the COVID-19 crisis. A number of order cancellations emerges according to Human Rights Watch.
European apparel brands and retailers are being unjust by cancelling orders from Asian factories to save their business from coronavirus economic impact. Asian supplier factories, as a result, are facing financial difficulties, costing the career of their workers.
These actions seem to care less about the workers’ well-being by invalidating the financial responsibilities. Due to these actions, workers are on the verge of losing their jobs for a living, especially in these hard times.
“These are extraordinarily challenging times, yet clothing brands facing tough business decisions to ride out the COVID-19 crisis should not forsake the factory workers who make their branded products,” said Aruna Kashyap, senior counsel in the women’s rights division of Human Rights Watch.
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The Actions to Workers in Asia Violate UN Regulations
These dismissals and temporary layoffs are actually UN regulations. Especially, it is the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector.
“Brands should take steps to minimize the devastating economic consequences for garment workers in their global supply chains and for their families who depend on this income to survive,” Aruna said.
Human Rights Watch has been closely monitoring brands and retailers that exploit Asian garment factories during the pandemic. In March 2020, manufacturers from several countries have reported that brands impose all payment terms and conditions without further negotiation. This is similar to what has happened in Cambodia.
During the pandemic, brands have been cheating on manufacturers. Among the attempts are by cancelling orders for goods that have already been finished or in the process of making. Additionally, they mostly demand discounts for goods that are already in shipments from January.
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