Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers‘ rights in the global garment industry

Keywords: COVID-19, human rights, workers' rights, garment industry, clothing companies, supply chain, business activities

Abstract: The aim of this article is to describe the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers' rights in the global garment industry and to present possible recommendations for clothing companies and the countries where these companies have their seat that could mitigate the adverse impacts on workers' rights in the future. In response to WHO's declaration of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sharp reduction in industrial production and closures of retail to limit the spread of the disease. This article deals with the garment industry's initial response to financial loss constraints and their actions in their supply chains. Special attention is paid to an analysis of the violations of specific rights of garment workers. The article draws on information from surveys and reports conducted during 2020 in individual clothing factories in the region. In its last part, it offers recommendations for the states where the clothing companies have their seat to take legislative and political actions to promote the respect for workers' rights extraterritorially. It also provides recommendations to clothing companies, which call for the introduction of voluntary measures to ensure respect for workers' human rights and labour rights and to contribute to sustainability in supply chains.