"H&M responds to sacking of Bangladesh garment workers, says 'deeply concerned'", 7 January 2019

The clothing giant issued a statement... [following] media reports that the factories sacked thousands of workers for joining the protests for better wages, which included suppliers of H&M.

“We understand garment workers have recently been dismissed from three factories that produce for H&M group amongst others, and we are closely observing the situation to ensure that the documents and agreements that have now been signed are acknowledged and approved by all parties, outlining valid information and appropriate grounds for termination of employment,” H&M said.

“Even though we understand and fully sympathise with the garment workers’ frustrations, we cannot encourage vandalism and violence as a means to an end.” “We strongly encourage peaceful conflict resolution for all parties in all situations and see ourselves as an enabler to make that happen.”...

“Workers who chanted slogans or left factories and joined in processions to demand wage increases, and the ones who have any link to trade bodies, are now losing jobs,” ... head of the Bangladesh Garment Workers’ Trade Union Centre [said]...

At least 7,580 workers from 27 factories had been laid off in recent weeks, according to...head of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation.