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Article

5 Aug 2020

Author:
Inditex

Inditex statement in response to BHRRC report on freedom of association during COVID-19

... In regards to the report shared by BHRRC, we would like to highlight the Inditex commitment with the promotion of social dialogue and the proactive approach that our company is playing in terms of facilitating dialogue and agreements between worker representatives and factory management, always ensuring the respect of the rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining... beyond the legal local requirements. This has been the situation in those cases highlighted by BHRRC in Myanmar where Inditex carried out a mediation role, like in the case of Huabo Times, Rui-Ning and Myanmode, where agreements and in consequence resolution... were possible... and... Inditex maintained a proactive dialogue with suppliers but also with local unions and workers...

We would like to remark also the joint efforts taken under ACT initiative... formed by Inditex along with other 20 international Brands and IndustriALL Global Union, to facilitate social dialogue... in Myanmar... which was materialized in the agreement of the Myanmar Freedom of Association (FOA) Guideline...

[For the cases in] Bangladesh... we would like to remark the value of social dialogue between worker representatives and management as it was expressed in the 3 cases where we were informed about agreements and in consequence dispute resolutions achieved thanks to the role of Windy Group and the IndustriALL affiliate Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation and ... eight leading Union Federations... and the registered Union Garments Sromik Kormochari Federation... In these three agreements, we were informed about the compliance with the respective payment of the agreed compensations, which were made effective to affected workers as per dates mentioned in our previous communication with BHRRC...

[The full statement is attached and is in response to BHRRC's report on union busting and unfair dismissals of garment workers during COVID-19]

Part of the following timelines

Myanmar: Garment workers allege factories are using COVID-19 to dismiss union members; Incl. company responses

Bangladesh: H&M and Inditex supplier accused of union busting amid COVID-19 after dismissal of 3,000 garment workers; Incl. company responses