Since the military coup in Myanmar (formerly Burma) on 1um February 2021, NGOs denounce serious human rights violations, including working conditions worthy of “ modern slavery in textile factories where many western brands subcontract. Following the multiplication of warning signs, in particular from the global textile workers union IndustriALL, some have decided to phase out. Like Primark and Marks & Spencer in September 2022, then Inditex (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka or Pull & Bear) in July 2023, and now H&M.
After Inditex (Zara), H&M announces its withdrawal from Myanmar despite the opinion of the European Union
As transmitted Reuters on 27 July 2023, the Inditex group has in fact formalized its intention to cease business with Myanmar. The Spanish fast fashion giant obviously risks being emulated, but too sudden and massive an exit could cause economic and social damage to this politically unstable country, explains the news agency. The European Union even suggests that companies continue to source from the country and wants to implement measures through the MADE program to improve working conditions in textile factories in Myanmar.
“ The EU and MADE partners believe that workers’ interests are best served by continuing to work in the countryprovided it is done responsibly wrote Mario Ronconi, Head of Unit at the Directorate General for Development and Cooperation of the European Commission, in a letter sent to Reuters by IndustriALL.
A few weeks after Inditex’s decision, it’s up to the H&M group to announce its intention to gradually withdraw from Myanmar (formerly Burma), reported 18 August Cnn. In March, H&M sourced from 41 factories employing nearly 42,000 workers in the country, according to company data. This shows how much you risk disrupting Myanmar’s economy if the most powerful western fast fashion groups back out.
In a statement posted on the IndustriALL union website, its general secretary, Atle Høie, said:
“H&M has finally understood that it is not possible to do business in Myanmar without violating basic human and trade union rights. IndustriALL will continue its campaign until all major brands do the same. We must never put profits before workers’ rights. »
Primark and Marks & Spencer had already retired in September 2022
According to the Business and Human Rights Resource Center (BHRRC), a labor advocacy group, human rights abuses in the country have worsened every day since the February 2021 military coup, particularly against female garment workers. Another report, published by the Ethical Trading Initiative association in September 2022, recalled the omnipresence of forced labour, wage deprivation, harassment and gender-based violence. This report led Primark to announce the same month that they wanted to prepare a ” responsible exit from the country “, to be followed soon by Marks & Spencer, details Cnn.
After Zara in July and H&M in August, who will be next? And above all, what are the consequences for textile workers if the boycott is too sudden and massive?
Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
