Three Dutch high street chains under fire over textile workers' wages

DutchNews.nl, Monday 25 November 2013

Clothing factory in Bangladesh

(NOS/EPA)

Aid minister Lilianne Ploumen has attacked three Dutch clothing companies for failing to sign an international agreement to ensure textile workers in Bangladesh are paid properly and work in safe conditions.

Ploumen says in Monday’s AD that Coolcat, Wibra and Prénatal are continuing to allow their products to be made in factories where workers are exploited and where working conditions are poor.

‘These companies have a choice. Either they sign or they lose credibility among their customers,’ the minister said. ‘At the moment they are on the wrong side of the line.’

The need to make a profit can never be an excuse not to take responsibility for the workers who manufacture their clothes, Ploumen is quoted as saying. ‘Companies like Zeeman, H&M, C&A, Hema and V&D are doing their best. And their clothes are not more expensive, so it can be done.’

The three firms were unavailable for comment, the AD said.

Ploumen’s comments come as governments, companies and unions take part in a conference in Berlin to try to make sure workers worldwide earn a living wage. The textile industry is a key part of this.

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