Blaklader's response to allegations of abuses in Myanmar garment factories in February 2023 - Nov 2023 update
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Allegation:
In the aftermaths of the military coup, workforce have been dismissed and especially persons know as union representatives have been faced with even extended difficulties to find new employment.
After confronting a company, when being denied employment for no obvious reason, a person states that Amava Apparel has provided a record of “blacklisted” to other companies of former employees that was connected to the union and engaged in labor rights.
Blåkläder response:
Amava Apparel does not ”blacklist” pervious employees. In contrary, many companies are actively seeking to attract and retain qualified personnel, as there is a trend for skilled workers to seek opportunities abroad. The reference is rather that pervious employees of Amava Apparel Ltd are atractive labor also for new employers.
General amendment:
Blåkläder is commited to a close and transparent cooperation with Amava Apparel Ltd. Dialog is conducted daily and visits to the factory are conducted on a frequent basis over the year.
The factory conducts employees surveys to measure employee well-being in the workplace and to identify areas for continuous improvements.
Meeting Minutes, employment records, labor work force overviews and other documentations are available to support the events and actions described in this response from Blåkläder, with the support of Amava Apparel Ltd.
Noted, in connection to the allegations in question, is that the established Whistleblower function has not been used in order to highlight the alleged deficiencies and irregularities.
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[The full response is attached]