The garment industry is one of the most brutal internationally with a constant Race to the Bottom dynamic employed by companies as they scour the world for the cheapest labour that they can exploit. Nevertheless, constant pressure is having some positive effects with the global brand H&M promising to start paying a living wage to its workers from 2018. Such a step would be a tremendous win, but will only come through workers’ mobilisations. Another major problem for workers in the global Race to the Bottom is companies closing their factories and leaving their workers owing months of wages, as well as severance and termination payments.
The garment industry is one of the most brutal internationally with a constant Race to the Bottom dynamic employed by companies as they scour the world for the cheapest labour that they can exploit. Nevertheless, constant pressure is having some positive effects with the global brand H&M promising to start paying a living wage to its workers from 2018. Such a step would be a tremendous win, but will only come through workers’ mobilisations. Another major problem for workers in the global Race to the Bottom is companies closing their factories and leaving their workers owing months of wages, as well as severance and termination payments.
