In August 2018, global workers’ rights group SumOfUs accused Kosan Kozmetik of unfair dismissals and labour abuse. The company is a Turkish subsidiary of French cosmetics brand Yves Rocher. According to SumOfUs, 124 employees were terminated after they joined a trade union. The workers decided to organise after they allegedly experienced “degrading working conditions, stagnating wages, loss of benefits, long working hours, no medical leave after workplace accidents and psychological stress.” SumOfUs launched an online petition with over 100,000 signatures urging Yves Rocher to reinstate the workers.

Responding to Business & Human Rights Resource Centre’s invitation to provide a statement, Groupe Rocher said that the dismissals were due to “illegal and even violent actions jeopardizing the safety of people and community goods.” Groupe Rocher’s response is available in full below.