Asian Apparel Industry Workers Face 13.7 Trillion Won Wage Losses Post-Pandemic

[Photo by Reuters-Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] According to an analysis by the international labor organization Clean Clothes Campaign, workers in the Asian garment industry have suffered nearly $12 billion (approximately 13.7388 trillion KRW) in wage losses following the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the 18th (local time), major foreign media reported that the Clean Clothes Campaign stated that Asian garment industry workers have been suffering due to order cancellations and demands for price reductions from global clothing brands after COVID-19.

The Clean Clothes Campaign analyzed that about 1.6 million workers in seven Asian countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar, lost their jobs after COVID-19. Additionally, in a survey, workers in six countries except Indonesia reported losses equivalent to an average of two months' wages.

In this regard, global fast fashion companies stated that they have made every effort to support Asian manufacturers. Sweden's H&M claimed that despite the difficult times caused by COVID-19, they showed the most responsible attitude possible in purchasing products made in Asian countries. Inditex, the Spanish company operating the 'Zara' brand, also stated that it fully paid for the ordered quantities.

However, the Clean Clothes Campaign pointed out that the power imbalance between large global clothing brands and Asian manufacturers has long been an issue, and that problems arising from this imbalance have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.