“Singapore’s HTL Group Italian subsidiary faces worker strike over exploitative labour practices”

…Earlier this month, a strike began in Forlì, where workers at the Gruppo 8 factory protested against exploitative labour practices…

Gruppo 8, a newly launched Italian enterprise invested in by HTL Group—a global leader in sofa production and an international fashion home brand based in Singapore—has been accused of subjecting its workers to semi-slavery conditions for months…

…Gruppo 8 denied the exploitation claims made by 17 Pakistani workers, clarified that it is unrelated to and unaware of the alleged issues at one of its subcontractors, and rejected any involvement in the exploitation of workers…

Workers demanded fairer treatment, citing gruelling 12-hour shifts for six or seven days a week, with wages below €5 ($5.25) an hour…

After days of protest, it was revealed that the workers had won their battle against the unfair practices.

All employees will now receive stable contracts guaranteeing an eight-hour workday, five days a week.

Additionally, the company has agreed to provide housing for 30 days, paid for by Gruppo 8.

“We are very happy,” workers said, celebrating their hard-fought victory.

Queries have been sent to the company regarding the situation, but no response has been received.