Pressemeldungen - Unternehmensverantwortung & Lieferkettengesetz © FEMNET 13 May 2024 Why is your sustainability strategy lacking social aspects, Hugo Boss? Joint press release from FEMNET , the Clean Clothes Campaign and the Association of Critical Shareholders Bonn, Cologne, Berlin – On the occasion of Hugo Boss’s upcoming annual general meeting on 14 May 2024, FEMNET, the Campaign for Clean Clothes (CCC) and the umbrella organisation of Critical Shareholders criticise the unilateral sustainability strategy and question whether Hugo Boss complies with its due diligence obligations under the German Supply Chain Act. Lack of social considerations in the sustainability strategy Hugo Boss' sustainability report shows the lack of consideration of social aspects in the company's sustainability strategy. All five areas of action in the sustainability strategy relate to environmental aspects, not a single one to social criteria. This is criticized by FEMNET, CCC and the umbrella association of critical shareholders, who will question the Executive Board of Hugo Boss at the Annual General Meeting. Criticism of social audits and implementation of the Supply Chain Act At the same time, Hugo Boss still cites social audits as an instrument for the social compatibility of his producers. "Social audits usually do not reveal the real problems in the factories," explains Dr. Gisela Burckhardt, CEO of FEMNET. "Important information such as the conduct of unannounced audits, gender sensitive approaches and the involvement of trusted third parties is missing." Furthermore, it is questionable whether Hugo Boss complies with its due diligence obligations under the German Supply Chain Act. The procedure is described, but not the results. There is a lack of information on the risk analysis carried out, the measures taken and the effectiveness of the complaints system. Living wages and trade union freedom for suppliers Another central point of the opinion concerns the question of living wages for workers in Hugo Boss's production countries. Despite previous promises, there is no information on whether living wages are paid or whether appropriate measures have been taken. In addition, FEMNET, the CCC and the umbrella organisation of Critical Shareholders point out that the company cooperates with suppliers who suppress trade union work, as in the case of Özak Textil and Lanka Leather. Although Hugo Boss did not have production in factories where labour rights violations have been proven, he has long-standing relationships with these suppliers and should advocate for the right to freedom of organisation and ensure that they comply with due diligence obligations under the Supply Chain Act. FEMNET, CCC and the Association of Critical Shareholders call on Hugo Boss to take its social responsibility seriously and to integrate social sustainability goals into its corporate strategy, to advocate for living wages and freedom of organization for its suppliers. background FEMNET is a non-profit women's rights organization working for better working conditions in the apparel industry of the Global South and a member of the Clean Clothes Campaign. www.femnet.de The the umbrella organisation of the Critical shareholders are a shareholder association that advocates greater responsibility and transparency of companies with regard to environmental protection, labour and human rights, arms production and the renunciation of profit maximization at the expense of third parties. The Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) is a network promoting workers' rights in the supply chains of the international fashion industry. https://saubere-kleidung.de Press contact Anne Munzert (FEMNET) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Mobile 0175-8465560 Download the press release (PDF)
