Zara, H&M and other textile brands have been accused of abuse in Bangladesh.

From Zara in H&Mthrough Next or Primark, major international clothing brands are being accused of dishonest practices with their suppliers in Bangladesh, such as order cancellations, non-payments or delays, in a study released Wednesday in London.

A study by the Transform Trade Association, conducted in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen and the Center for Global Development, analyzed the situation of 1,000 garment factories or manufacturers. Bangladeshi and observed “unfair” practices that began during COVID-19 pandemic and have been preserved ever since.

Manufacturers surveyed “reported that brands and retailers canceled orders, refused to pay, or requested discounts on orders already in production or shipped,” despite rising manufacturing costs following the reopening of the post-lockdown economy and soaring inflation.

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Among the major textile manufacturing groups in Bangladesh, Inditex (parent company zara), More Primark and H&M They canceled about 30% of their orders and asked for discounts or delayed payments.

Gap, Walmart, C&A they also canceled orders, but to a lesser extent, among many other examples.

“These unfair practices affect the labor practices of suppliers, leading to (…) job losses and lower wages,” the report denounced.

‘One in five factories reported difficulty paying minimum wage in Bangladesh’ after lockdowns against COVID-19he adds, calling for the creation of a clothing sector regulator in developed countries to put an end to these abusive purchasing practices.

fashion industry he is regularly accused of improper pay and employment practices, even in developed countries such as the UK.

It has also been criticized for its very negative environmental impact.

AFP