In recent years, investigations into labor practices within the Asian textile industry have exposed alarming levels of exploitation, including forced labor and child labor. While some improvements have been made in terms of wages, many workers continue to face difficult, unsafe working conditions.
These issues directly impact the global goals of sustainability, economic equality, and social justice, as they reflect the broader challenges of achieving decent work and economic growth under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The issue is particularly pressing as the textile industry remains one of the largest employers in the region. For example, in Madhya Pradesh, India, an investigation by Transparentem uncovered that 90 cotton farms—nearly half of which were found to use forced labour depended on workers trapped in cycles of poverty and debt. Many of these workers were children. The situation is made worse by the control of employers over workers' wages and living conditions, essentially perpetuating a form of slavery. Global textile suppliers like Pratibha Syntex have been linked to these exploitative practices, triggering reactions from international brands. Inditex and H&M, in particular, have severed ties with suppliers found to be violating workers' rights, while also joining initiatives like the Fair Labour Association to improve labor conditions.
Global brands and the call for transparency
As the issue has gained global attention, brands like Shein and Temu, which are often criticised for their fast-fashion model, have been summoned by UK legislators to testify on labour rights. Both companies maintain zero tolerance policies towards forced labor but have continued to face intense scrutiny due to their supply chains in China, where labor practices have been consistently flagged by human rights groups. The ongoing investigations underscore the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing labour rights violations across the global society.
Furthermore, despite the increase in real wages in some countries within the textile sector, the working conditions in many factories remain poor. The International Labour Organization (ILO) recently warned that Asia, often referred to as the "clothing factory of the world", faces significant challenges when it comes to workers' rights. Long working hours, lack of adequate workplace safety, and the frequent violation of basic labor rights persist as major issues in textile factories across the region. These shortcomings highlight the need for urgent climate action, as improving working conditions also means creating sustainable and safe environments for workers—an integral part of any global effort towards sustainability.
Labor conditions in Bangladesh: A crisis of safety and inequality
In Bangladesh, one of the world's largest textile hubs, inspections have repeatedly uncovered safety violations in factories, particularly in regard to fire hazards and structural issues. The vast majority of workers in these factories are women, many of whom receive wages that are among the lowest in the world. While some progress has been made, including modest increases in the minimum wage, it remains insufficient to improve the lives of textile workers. Moreover, unionization efforts are often met with repression, further restricting workers' ability to advocate for their rights.
This situation presents a significant challenge for global initiatives that aim to tackle economic equality and promote justice and strong institutions. The textile sector is deeply intertwined with consumer demand for affordable goods, often at the expense of worker wellbeing. As a result, many labour rights organisations have launched international campaigns advocating for fair wages, safe working environments, and the promotion of workers’ rights. These campaigns aim to encourage both brands and governments to implement stricter labour standards and ensure that the rights of textile workers are protected.
The role of global collaboration and the importance of systemic change
The labour rights issues in the textile industry exemplify how global collaboration is essential in addressing sustainability and achieving the SDGs. Initiatives like the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development and the Fair Labour Association provide frameworks for brands, governments, and workers' rights groups to collaborate on improving labor conditions. However, the scale of the problem requires systemic change, with a focus on creating safe working environments, ensuring living wages, and dismantling the cycle of debt and exploitation that traps millions of workers in poverty.
As the global society moves towards achieving the global goals, there is a growing recognition that we must take a holistic approach to sustainability one that accounts for both the environment and the people who sustain the industries that drive the global economy. The future of the textile industry, and the millions of workers who depend on it, will hinge on this commitment to social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection.
While efforts to improve labor conditions in the Asian textile industry are gaining momentum, much work remains to be done. For lasting change to occur, continued international collaboration and accountability are critical in ensuring that workers’ rights are respected and that sustainability remains at the forefront of the global agenda. This will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders governments, businesses, civil society, and consumers to create a world where economic progress is equitably shared, and the rights and dignity of workers are upheld.
To learn more about global initiatives addressing labour rights and improving working conditions, explore additional resources on the Fair Labour Association and International Labour Organization websites.