As H&M try to position themselves as the world’s most sustainable fast fashion brand, their garment workers in Cambodia set to strike over low pay and poor working conditions.
According to Just Style, negotiations over pay and working conditions at the SL Processing Company in Cambodia have broken down. The company makes garments for a number of international brands, including Gap, Zara, Levis and H&M.
More than 1,500 workers marched to the Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs Ministry in the capital Phnom Pento demanding intervention. However, after eight hours they had failed to reach an agreement meaning strike action is likely to follow.
The workers are calling for an allowance of $10 a month, instead of the current $7. The factory is offering just $8 and other demands have also been rejected by factory managers.
Many garment workers argue their current rate of pay does not provide a basic living wage. In addition lighting and ventilation in many factories is poor, and women regularly suffer sexual harassment and even rape.
This moving short film by Cambodian film maker Savann Ouerm provides a small glimpse in to the lives of these workers.