"Fast fashion and Myanmar – why garment workers are protesting, how brands have responded, and the unrest’s potential impact on consumers", 23 March 2021

Workers and trade union leaders from Myanmar’s garment industry have played a leading role in organising protests against the military coup that ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February.

The protesters are calling for new international sanctions and for major multinational companies with factories in Myanmar to bolster protections for workers taking part in the resistance.

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The workers are also pushing for multinational companies to denounce the military’s takeover and ensure workers will not be fired or punished for taking part in protests.

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Some major multinational apparel brands with a heavy presence in Myanmar have responded to the protesters’ demands, denouncing the coup and saying they would curtail their operations.

The world’s second-largest fashion retailer, Hennes & Mauritz – which has developed a network of 45 direct suppliers in Myanmar over the past seven years – announced in early March it would be suspending new orders in light of the violent actions of the security forces, and was followed quickly by Italian retailer Benetton Group.

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Brands such as C&A, Mango, Zara, and L.L. Bean have released statements condemning the coup, but have yet to take any concrete steps to curtail their economic activity in Myanmar.