http://www.box.com/s/vov19lig96gk315b0knk
Mass Fainting Continues; Official United States Licensee of Reebok-Branded, NFL, NHL Apparel Implicated as the Largest Buyer
Joel Preston
15/02/2012
Even in the wake of the People’s Tribunal on Living Wages in the Garment Industry, yet another wave of mass fainting rippled through the Nanguo Garment Co. Ltd Factory last week.
The list of international buyers associated with reportedly problematic Cambodian factories grows longer by the day; the most recent addition is Streetwear Inc. whose website claims:
‘Streetwear is an official United States licensee of Reebok-branded, NFL, NHL, and Heisman Men’s Big and Tall apparel.’
Located in the Preah Sihanouk Special Economic Zone in Prey Nop District, ‘Yov Khemara, director of the provincial labour department, said that some among the 162 [Nanguo] workers were sent to hospitals and clinics, while others sought treatment themselves.’
(http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2012021454494/National-news/fainting-at-factory-probed.html)
The Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade recognizes that ‘six companies in [the Chinese] Wuxi Group signed agreements with developers to establish their subsidiaries within the SSEZ in February 2008.’ (www.unescap.org/tid/artnet/pub/wp6008.pdf)
They go on to identify that Wuxi Nanguo Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Jiangsu Hongdou Industry Co., Ltd. (www.unescap.org/tid/artnet/pub/wp6008.pdf)
Online shipping records identify Streetwear Inc, official United States licensee of Reebok-branded, NFL and NHL apparel, as the largest US purchaser from Jiangsu Hongdou Industry Co., Ltd. receiving 41 shipments and over 50,000 kilograms of garments during their relationship.
Between the 30th of December and the 1st of January over 7,000 kilograms arrived in the US, consigned by Streetwear Inc.
As brands’ definition of corporate social responsibility continue to loosen, Streetwear Inc. were not the only international buyers implicated. Amongst others, shipping records evidence Jiangsu connections to JC Penney, Forever 21, Appaman, Elwood Clothing as well as KBL Group International Ltd who claim customers such as Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie and Fitch, Bebe and Sean John to name a few.
Just 5 days before the incident, K & G Fashion Superstore, consigned a massive 7698 kilogram shipment from Jiangsu Hongdou Industry Co., Ltd.
Whilst poor ventilation was pointed to as a contributing factor, Ministry of Labor Medical Department Director, Pok Vannthat, noted ‘that in the latest incident, affected workers said they were forced to work overtime beyond the limits allowed by law.’
The People’s Tribunal dedicated an entire morning’s proceedings to hearing the testimony of 4 Cambodian garment workers, representing the 300 that attended, whose stories mirror those detailed above. Still only 5 days later, another OH&S breach with horrific consequences. The judges’ verdict has not been heeded and the lack of both corporate responsibility and a living wage continues to plague the women of the Cambodian garment industry. Provincial police chief, Tak Vantha, said the incident occurred at about 8:30am.
(http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2012021454494/National-news/fainting-at-factory-probed.html)
This adds further weight to the argument that the malnourishment and exhaustion of workers were a critical factor in the fainting.
The judges of the People’s Tribunal urged international buyers in the garment industry:
- To remedy their mechanisms for monitoring compliance, as well as reviewing wage standards whilst they should be adequately funded for pro-active operations in order to assist the activities of the Labor Advisory Committee and Royal Government of Cambodia.
- They should move beyond “good intentions” and recognize and prioritize the need for human rights in the workplace in their pricing and procurement policies; going beyond codes of conduct and other “standards” and commit to the application of a mandatory living wage at all levels and sectors of the supply chain.
The incidents at Nanguo Garment Co. Ltd Factory demonstrate the gross and growing lack of corporate social responsibility. We seek a commitment from the international brands that source from Cambodia, the NFL and consumers alike to ensure the survival of these women.
Contact:
Mr. Moeun Tola – Unit Head of Labor Program
Tel: (855) 12 921 961
Email: tola@clec.org.kh
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