US clothing retailer Gap Inc yesterday responded to allegations of labour rights abuses in its Cambodian supplier factories, saying it is determined to help drive progress in the industry, but can’t do it alone.
In an email, company spokeswoman Laura Wilkinson said that while Gap has long been working to improve conditions in the factories that make its clothes, “the global apparel industry still faces challenges”.
An Asia Floor Wage Alliance report released this week detailed workers being employed on fixed-duration contracts, forced to work long overtime hours and denied social security benefits at Gap suppliers.
Similar issues were found in a report on H&M last week.
Gap is engaging with workers, factories, unions, governments and NGOs to overcome those challenges by developing solutions that matter most to workers, Wilkinson said without offering specifics.
“We know that we can’t tackle many of the challenges we face on our own,” she said.
“We know there is more work to be done, but we remain committed to helping ensure that the women and men who make our clothing are treated with dignity and respect.”
