supply chain

The global production shift has meant that garments are frequently made up on the other side of the world to where the final product is sold, in another language and culture. Transactions often occur through a complex network of agents, sub-contractors and suppliers. So fragmented is this side of the industry that even the companies which commission garment production do not always know exactly where and under what conditions their products are made.

Commonly, garment production is subcontracted and subcontracted again, resulting in a wide production base and many suppliers and often culminating in piece work by home workers with no employee rights at all. Such a structure means that it is impossible to properly monitor production, enforce or even keep abreast of labour standards. It is then very easy for companies to turn a blind eye to poor working conditions and low wages.

Further information: 

- For more detail, see factsheet 2b.

- For more information on working conditions found in global supply chains view presentations from the FEI event, Fast Fashion: the impact of buying decisions on working conditions within the garment industry.

 

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