H&M probes Myanmar factory abuses as pressure intensifies
The Hindu
H&M and other fashion retailers are responding to 20 alleged cases of labour abuse in Myanmar garment factories. Wage reduction and wage theft were the most reported allegations, followed by unfair dismissal, inhumane work rates, and forced overtime. H&M is working with stakeholders to remediate the cases, while Inditex, Primark, and Marks & Spencer have cut ties with Myanmar suppliers. Other brands are increasing monitoring and engaging with local labour rights groups to influence conditions. Leaving the country could leave workers worse off, as the garment industry is a key employer.
H&M is following up on 20 alleged instances of labour abuse at Myanmar garment factories that supply the world's second-largest fashion retailer, just weeks after top rival Zara owner Inditex said it is phasing out purchases from the Southeast Asian country.
A U.K.-based human rights advocacy group tracked 156 cases of alleged worker abuses in Myanmar garment factories from February 2022 to February 2023, up from 56 in the previous year, indicating a deterioration of workers' rights since a military coup in February 2021.
ALSO READ | Myanmar arrests nearly 150 fleeing Rohingya
Wage reduction and wage theft were the most frequently reported allegations, followed by unfair dismissal, inhumane work rates, and forced overtime, according to a report by the NGO, the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) seen by Reuters and set to be published on Wednesday.
"All the cases raised in the report by BHRRC are being followed-up and where needed remediated through our local team on the ground and in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders," H&M said in a statement.
"We are deeply concerned by the latest developments in Myanmar, and we see increased challenges to conduct our operations according to our standards and requirements," the Swedish retailer said.
The BHRRC has been tracking allegations of workers' rights abuses in garment factories since the military junta took power in Myanmar, plunging it into political and humanitarian crisis. The tracker includes abuse cases at 124 separate factories.
![](/newspic/picid-1269750-20240607081625.jpg)
Flight AI177 will depart Bengaluru at 1.05 p.m. and arrive at London Gatwick at 7.05 p.m. (local time). From London Gatwick, flight AI178 will depart at 8.35 p.m. (local time) and arrive in Bengaluru at 10.50 a.m. (next day arrival). From Bengaluru, the flight will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.