News

by admin created 2020-10-29T09:45:37+07:00

Apparel Exporters Seek Fair Pricing from Brands

Bangladeshi apparel exporters urge foreign buyers to adopt fair pricing policies to address rising production costs. At a seminar by the Fair Wear Foundation, industry leaders highlighted cost surges from higher wages and energy prices, while apparel prices stagnate. Brands...

Labor Groups Urge Japanese Retailer to Drop Myanmar Lawsuit

Over a dozen human rights groups are pressing Honeys Holdings and its Myanmar subsidiary to drop a defamation lawsuit against union leader Myo Myo Aye. Filed in 2017 after labor protests, the case persists amid concerns about labor rights abuses and fair trials.

Automation Cuts 31% of Jobs in Bangladesh's Garment Industry

Automation has cut 31% of Bangladesh's garment jobs, mostly low-skill roles like helpers, with women hit hardest. Cutting-stage jobs saw a 48% drop. With 80% of factories planning more automation, upskilling and better integration are vital to sustain workers and global...

Delays in Labor Disputes Raise Concerns Among Workers in Myanmar

Myanmar’s Labor Ministry has faced criticism over delays in resolving workers' complaints, including wage disputes, excessive overtime, and unfair dismissals. Prolonged court cases and lack of timely action strain workers' livelihoods.

Extreme Heat Threatens Workers in Asia Amid New EU Rules

Rising heat in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan jeopardizes garment workers’ safety, with “wet-bulb” temperatures exceeding safe thresholds 42% more often than before. New EU laws demand multinational brands address these risks by improving factory cooling systems and worker...

Myanmar's Garment Industry Faces Severe Labor Shortages

Myanmar's garment industry struggles with labor shortages as workers migrate to Thailand and China. Factory owners hire unskilled labor and face recruitment challenges. The sector has lost 220,000 workers since 2022, severely impacting production and the nation's GDP.

Renowned Thai Sewing Company Closes and Lays Off All Staff

A famous Thai sewing company in Samut Sakhon has shut down its branch, laying off all employees due to rising production costs, global competition, and economic volatility. The closure marks a significant loss the local industry, leaving long-time workers devastated.

Vietnam Suspends Chinese E-Retailer Temu Over Registration Issues

Vietnam has suspended Chinese retailer Temu for missing a registration deadline. Authorities raised concerns about the authenticity of Temu's cheap goods and their impact on local manufacturers. Its operations remain uncertain amid wider investigations in Europe over illegal...

Pollution Crisis Hits NCR’s Garment Factories, Workers Face Health Risks

Delhi-NCR’s garment industry struggles as pollution spikes, causing absenteeism among workers due to health issues. Factories distribute masks and adopt measures like air purifiers, while industry leaders urge urgent government action.

The Dindigul Agreement to Catalyze Women’s Empowerment Beyond Factories

The 2021 Dindigul Agreement to eliminate gender-based violence in Tamil Nadu’s garment factories has become a broader social catalyst. Through workplace protections and leadership systems like Shop Floor Monitors, women are now confronting domestic violence, caste discrimination,...

Only 0.3% of Materials use in the Textile Industry Come from Recycled Sources

The global textile industry uses 3.25 billion tonnes of resources annually, with only 0.3% recycled content. Synthetic fibers like polyester dominate at 70%. The sector contributes 3.5% of global emissions and water scarcity

Vietnam Passes New Trade Union Law, Granting Rights to Foreign Workers

Vietnam's amended Trade Union Law, passed on November 27, expands rights for workers, including foreign employees with 12-month contracts, to join trade unions. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Declining Garment Prices Threaten Sustainability Efforts in Bangladesh

Falling prices for Bangladeshi garment imports in the US and EU, coupled with a 50% rise in production costs over five years, are squeezing profit margins and threatening the apparel sector's sustainability.

BTGWF Presents 8-Point Demand for Garment Workers' Welfare

The Bangladesh Textile Garment Workers Federation (BTGWF) demands better welfare for garment workers, including ration cards for affordable essentials, constitutional food security, trade union rights, health and safety funds, a universal welfare fund, a dedicated hospital, and...

Cambodia Advances Sexual and Reproductive Health for Garment Workers

On November 21, 2024, Dr. Huy Hansong, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, closed the Partnership Project to Promote Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for garment workers at a ceremony in Phnom Penh.

ILO-Korea Initiative Strengthens Labour Dispute Resolution in Cambodia

The ILO, through its ILO-Korea Partnership Programme (I-KORP), launched a project to improve Cambodia's labour dispute resolution systems. Introduced in Phnom Penh, the initiative focuses on enhancing conciliation, mediation, and arbitration processes while promoting social...

Bangladesh Urged to Formalize Textile Waste Management to Align with EU Sustainability Goals

Experts in Bangladesh have emphasized the need to formalize the country's informal textile waste management system to comply with EU sustainability regulations. A structured policy could create jobs, reduce import reliance, and address labor unrest. Key stakeholders call for...

SHEIN Faces Scrutiny Over Supply Chain Practices Amid Labour Rights Efforts

SHEIN's evoluSHEIN roadmap highlights steps taken to address labour rights and governance issues, including audits and a Supplier Code of Conduct. However, despite claims of progress, concerns remain about forced labour, child labour, and working conditions across its vast supply...

Global Unions File Complaints Against Next, New Yorker, and LPP Over Worker Rights Violations in Myanmar

IndustriALL and Myanmar unions have filed OECD complaints against Next, New Yorker, and LPP for sourcing from Myanmar despite documented worker rights abuses since the 2021 coup. The regime has banned unions and fostered exploitation, with brands accused of enabling these...

AI Revolution in Fashion can support climate goals but workers might be left behind

The fashion industry is adopting AI to reduce waste, monitor emissions, and improve sustainability, with brands like H&M investing in recycling and resource optimization. However, this shift endangers millions of jobs, particularly in labor-intensive countries like Bangladesh,...