‘Harsh’ tactics used to keep wages low for clothing workers

European and US fashion brands sourcing from Vietnam must stop their “harsh” tactics that push down workers’ wages and trap millions in poverty, say labour rights campaigners.

According to a report published last month by the Fair Labor Association, based on data collected over three years from 13,000 workers working across 38 factories, clothing workers in Vietnam are not able to earn a living wage without working “excessive overtime”, beyond what is acceptable by international standards.

Vietnam, which is one of the world’s largest garment manufacturers and supplies fashion chains such as Zara and H&M, has more than 6,000 textile and clothing factories that employ around 3m people, according to government figures.

Many work excessive hours, sometimes more than 50 hours of overtime a month without rest days, and still struggle to make ends meet, the new study by the US-based campaign group showed.

For the full story, see the May 2019 edition of Textiles South East Asia. Not a subscriber? Sign up HERE