b-uniqlo-a-20150115-870x579.jpg (Photo : Reuters )
After a Hong Kong-based labor-rights group released the findings from its 2014 investigation of two factories in southern China, Uniqlo, which was identified as a primary buyer, issued another statement on Friday, in which it detailed its subsequent action.
Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., which owns the Uniqlo brand, told reporters that it informed the suppliers that working conditions must improve.
Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior, better known by the acronym SACOM, alleged in its statement this week that the Japanese clothing company "has violated its commitment to corporate social responsibility." The monitoring body, which has previously been involved with China's Foxconn manufacturing plant, among others, conducted an investigation between July and Nov. 2014.
The SACOM assessment identified overall employee conditions, including long hours, low remuneration rates, workplace hazards and unfair management as the key issues for the workers at the Guangdong Province businesses. Fast Retailing completed its own investigation since SACOM spoke with the media and substantiated the existence of a number of the sub-standard working arrangements highlighted in the SACOM report.
One of Fast Retailing's executive officers engaged with the media on Friday, stating: "Respecting human rights and ensuring appropriate working conditions for the workers of our production partners are top priorities for Fast Retailing, and in this we are completely aligned with SACOM."
Yukihiro Nitta is the executive officer responsible for corporate social responsibility. She reminded reporters that Uniqlo is "not just a Japanese brand" and "should have high standards for its factory conditions," in addition to those it applies to its products.
The matter progressed quickly this week, as two labor rights groups said on Friday that meetings with representatives of Fast Retailing are scheduled for next week.
