"Garment workers need apparel companies' assurance that they will be paid during this crisis", 1 June 2020

By cancelling orders, delaying placement... or forcing discounts on goods already produced, apparel companies have created a situation where factories are unable to pay workers on time or at all. After recent public outcry, a number of companies have committed to paying all orders placed before the pandemic hit. But that is not enough.  

Today, labour rights organisations and unions are urging apparel companies to publicly assure that all apparel... workers in their supply chain who were employed at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis will receive their legally mandated or regular wages and benefits, including back pay or severance pay if applicable. Furthermore, these organisations urge companies to assure payment of a price premium on future orders into a guarantee fund reserved to support stronger social protections for workers. 

Companies have a responsibility to prevent, mitigate, and remedy the human rights violations in their supply chains. By ensuring that workers receive their due wages, companies fulfil part of their due diligence obligations, which also include ensuring non-discriminatory treatment of workers, social protection, and safe working conditions that do not expose workers to infection or other health risks.

... [T]he Clean Clothes Campaign network will start reaching out to apparel companies with these demands directly as well as through an upcoming campaign...