Last month, US Customs and Border Protection announced a Withhold Release Order on shipments from Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd., based on information that reasonably indicates forced labor use. This represents a major blow to the US bike industry; Giant is the world's largest manufacturer of bicycles...

...His exposure of the forced labor practices and debt bondage risks has been instrumental in bringing about subsequent improvements that have been made, and are still being made, by manufacturers to prevent the use of such practices and to improve living conditions for migrant workers...

Today brings news of a major win for migrant workers at Giant. The company has announced it will "develop a comprehensive compensation plan to reimburse current migrant workers hired before January 1, 2025, for their previous recruitment expenses."

Below is the official statement from Giant Group.

Giant Group announced today (15th) that in addition to the implementation of a "Zero Recruitment Fee Policy" for all newly recruited foreign migrant workers effective January 1, 2025—with the company continuing to bear all recruitment fees, service charges, and related government costs—Giant Group is currently commissioning a renowned international third-party adviser to identify, assess, and develop a comprehensive compensation plan to reimburse current migrant workers hired before January 1, 2025, for their previous recruitment expenses.

Giant Group has already initiated the first phase of fee reimbursement payment this week to demonstrate its commitment. Giant has made the provision in the book with sufficient funding ability to support the payment so Giant can ensure all migrant workers receive what they are eligible for. This is a further concrete action to fulfill the company’s commitment to human rights and fair employment practices...