
Labor Rights in the Garment Industry
The US$2.4 trillion garment and footwear industry, employs millions of workers worldwide. Clothes and shoes produced in countries in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe or other parts find their way into the clothes racks in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Labor abuses in factories that produce these clothes and shoes are rife. In countries around the world, factory owners and managers often fire pregnant workers or deny maternity leave; retaliate against workers who join or form unions; force workers to do overtime work or risk losing their job; and turn a blind eye when male managers or workers sexually harass female workers. Human Rights Watch researches and advocates for the rights of workers by exposing the failures of the governments of countries where these factories are located and scrutinizing corporate accountability practices of global apparel and footwear brands.
Videos
Videos-
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“Paying for a Bus Ticket and Expecting to Fly”
How Apparel Brand Purchasing Practices Drive Labor Abuses
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News
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Workers Sue Dyson on Allegations of Forced Labor in Malaysian Supplier
Case Should Drive Scrutiny of Social Audits Industry, Transparency Long Overdue
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Sri Lanka: Protect Garment Workers’ Rights During Pandemic
Compromised Safety, Pay Cuts, Representatives Threatened
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German Economics Ministry Blocks Effective Supply Chains Law
Companies’ Respect for Rights at Particular Risk During Covid-19
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European Commission Promises to Champion Corporate Accountability
Covid-19 Galvanizes Momentum for Regulating Companies
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No May Day Marches in Myanmar
Workers Fear Increase in Union Busting at Factories During Covid-19 Lockdown
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Protecting Garment Workers During COVID-19 Crisis
Emergency Relief Urgent as Millions Face Losing Their Livelihoods
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Brands Abandon Asia Workers in Pandemic
Companies Canceling Orders, Adding to Job Loss, Unpaid Wages