working conditions

The garment industry has the potential to empower workers, build economies, and lift millions of people out of poverty.

Yet across the world, accounts of excessive working hours, forced overtime, lack of job security, poverty wages, trade union rights denied, poor health, exhaustion, sexual harassment and mental stress are repeated over and over again.

The reality of life in a garment factory, particularly in workplaces further down the supply chain, is a far cry from the workers’ rights stipulated by law or the ethical commitments proclaimed by the big brands and retailers.

This section of the website explores how and why.

Further information:

- For more detailed information about working conditions, see factsheet set 2.

- If you would like to watch a film about working conditions in the fashion industry go to films in the resource section.

- For pictures of factory workers go to images in the resources section.

- Click here for links to workers' rights campaigns.

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