Public Eye
Millions of textile workers worldwide lose their jobs and income - and risk health and life.
We appeal to the fashion companies: don't let the workers pay for the Covid 19 crisis!
You can sign the appeal here:
www.publiceye.ch/appell
It's all about this
Decades of exploitative working conditions have kept the predominantly female workers in the textile industry in poverty. The factory closings and the health risks of the pandemic hit the workers, who mostly live in precarious conditions without any savings, with full severity.
We stand in solidarity with the workers in the supply chains of the clothing and footwear industry who have been particularly hard hit by the crisis. Together with unions and civil society organizations of the Clean Clothes Campaign we demand from fashion companies and retailers in Switzerland and worldwide:
Don't let the weakest in the supply chain pay for the Covid 19 crisis!
- Do not cancel orders, pay your suppliers on time, agree to requests to extend the deadline and not sanction any delays or production downtimes.
- Make sure that the workers in your supply chains not fired that outstanding wages will be paid immediately and that all workers will continue to comply with their statutory requirements throughout the duration of the crisis Wages, benefits and receive any severance payments.
- Regardless of whether in factories, logistics, sales or delivery: the safety of employees must be a priority. Only continue to operate if you have the Safety and health of all employees can guarantee and the recommendations of the WHO for physical distance, hygiene and protective equipment are implemented.
- Guarantee that employees can isolate themselves without sanctions and stay at home if they or people from the same household belong to risk groups or have Covid-19 symptoms. Pay attention to that Right to refuse work due to health and life risks.
- Make sure that the pandemic is not considered Pretext for violations It is taken that female workers are not discriminated against and guarantee the right to collective bargaining and freedom of trade union even in the crisis.
- Make sure People before profits: Do not pay dividends or bonuses when workers are made redundant or do not receive their wages.
- Stand up for bailouts on, that benefit the weakest. Aid and bridging loans must reach workers across the supply chain and aim to maintain employment and wage payments and reinstate workers who have already been laid off.
Also make your contribution for a fairer fashion industry after the pandemic:
- Take your Responsibility to protect human rights true in your supply chains and make supply chains more sustainable, fairer and more resilient to crises.
- Make sure that all employees living wages, safe working conditions and have access to social benefits.
Further information on how Covid-19 meets the textile workers and why the companies are responsible can be found here: www.publiceye.ch/appell
ON THE CONTRIBUTION TO SWITZERLAND OPTION
