An investigation by the New York Times found that some Italian workers making luxury fashion garments for local factories could be doing so from their home for as little as €2 an hour and without contracts or insurance. According to the report, the factories hiring these homeworkers produce clothes for labels such as MaxMara, Louis Vuitton and Fendi (both owned by LVMH). A spokesperson for MaxMara told the Times it was unaware of any of its suppliers using homeworkers, but that they had started an investigation, while LVMH declined to comment on the story. More information can be found in the articles linked below.

Note: The NY Times article also refers to Gucci (owned by Kering), although it does not directly link the brand to the practice of unregulated homeworking. Interviewed factory managers stated that they pay workers a living wage and that Gucci/Kering staff regularly checks working conditions.