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#PayYourWorkers – Global protests have an impact

Since the beginning of the corona crisis, textile workers around the world have been protesting for the continued payment of their wages and for the preservation of their jobs. The loss of wages, even for goods already manufactured, is immense. Many companies evade their responsibility towards textile workers because they do not have to fear consequences. However, the international protests are also achieving their first successes.

From Sri Lanka to Romania, from Indonesia to Belgium, protests against wage shortfalls and mass layoffs in the textile industry due to the ongoing pandemic have reached a global level. The international network Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) launched the #PayYourWorkers campaign this November to call on companies to take responsibility towards workers.

© Anne BieniasAfter all, numerous fashion brands still cancel orders or refrain from paying for goods that have already been manufactured.

It is difficult to hold companies accountable for such practices. Their influence is great and violations and labour rights violations remain without far-reaching consequences. The German company Collosseum, for example, refuses to pay the sums for completed orders on the originally agreed terms. A common practice with fatal consequences for suppliers and textile workers. In this way, factory owners remain legally liable to their workers for wage payments.

However, the worldwide protests are also having an impact. In Thailand, migrant workers have successfully filed a lawsuit against pay losses. In addition to Tesco and Starbucks, Disney has also agreed to pay $110,000 in wages.

The CCC wants to maintain this pressure and has begun to enter into talks with the brands. Campaigns and protests are also planned for next year.

© Anne Bienias