After a UK documentary exposed Shein’s working conditions and brutal tactics, the retailer is trying to clear its brand name by making a hefty donation.
The company issued a statement Monday about donating $15 million to improve factories in its supply chain. The next three to four years are dedicated to improving working conditions.
“The $15m investment focuses on making physical enhancements to its suppliers’ factories and is part of SHEIN’s Supplier Community Empowerment Programme (SCEP). More than 30 projects will be completed by the end of this year, 100 by the end of 2023, and up to 300 within four years,” the statement read, according to CNN.
In addition to improving work conditions, the retailer will end long work days. The UK documentary revealed that employees at one factory would work 13.5-hour days with at most 2-3 days off a month, while some would work 12.5-hour days with no days off in a month’s long work schedule. Staffers alleged they were also working 18-hour days and receiving pennies for their checks at minimum.
Fast fashion and hard labor have always been associated with discussing one or the other term.
The investigation also found that the factories violated local rules by making employees work long hours. However, Shein has denied all allegations, including underpaying workers.
“The claims that factories withhold worker’s salaries or illegally deduct wages are also untrue. All salaries are paid at the end of the contracted month and in accordance with local laws and regulations,” the statement included.
