Wasid's experience reflects a rollback on labour rights in the global garment industry due to COVID-19 as fashion brands pile pressure on their suppliers and, in turn, on factory workers, according to two new reports by labour advocacy groups. Labour rights campaigners have said millions of garment workers around the world are owed wages and severance pay due since the health crisis began. In a report titled "Money Heist", which interviewed workers from 189 factories in six countries, the nonprofit accuses profitable global brands of "transferring the risks of business" to manufacturers. The "Money Heist" report found garment workers' debts had surged since the pandemic started, while the Sheffield study said more than 60% had borrowed money during the pandemic as income fell and savings dried up. While labour rights campaigners are demanding a severance guarantee fund for workers that is financed by brands, many workers are pessimistic about improvements anytime soon.

Source: bd News24 July 14, 2021 00:00 UTC