Uniqlo/Fast Retailing Response
Fast Retailing sourced from PT Jaba Garmindo in Indonesia for its UNIQLO brand from October 2012 to October 2014. Following quality issues and delivery delays in early 2014, we attempted to remedy the situation with PT Jaba Garmindo, but the company was unable to solve these issues within a designated timeframe, at which point it became clear we would not be able to continue doing business with the company.
Over the duration of our relationship, Fast Retailing was not a major buyer from PT Jaba Garmindo. Nevertheless, we exited our relationship responsibly, gradually decreasing orders between April 2014 and the conclusion of our business with the company in October 2014. There has been no additional business with PT Jaba Garmindo since that time. Based on the minor UNIQLO share of the PT Jaba Garmindo production, our withdrawal was not the cause of the company’s bankruptcy.
However, we understand from our ongoing communications with the WRC and the trade unions, that some affected workers are yet to find alternative employment, and we sincerely empathize with these workers and their position. Accordingly, we have since worked with one of our partner factories located close the former Jaba Garmindo factory. We are now ready and waiting to assist with the re-employment of any former Jaba Garmindo worker who remains without a job, as suitable positions become available at this factory. To facilitate this re-employment, we have requested some cooperation from the trade union.”
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Note from Business & Human Rights Resource Centre: The company released a statement in January 2018 and it can be accessed here.