A recent investigation by Labour Behind the Label found a range of clothing sold by independent British retailers on Amazon was made under modern slavery conditions. Amazon claims to have a “zero tolerance” policy for labor exploitation. However, investigators say the retail giant is deliberately “turning a blind” eye to the abuse as reported in inews. They claim Amazon is using the third-party system to shield itself, claiming ignorance of the slavery found lurking in the supply-chain.
A forced labor business model
Working seven days a week, for up to 13 hours a day with no overtime pay as required by local law. That’s what Labour Behind the Label’s investigation found when they interviewed workers across three factories Pakistan. All said they were paid below the required local minimum wage. Most barely scraping by with just enough to feed and house their family.
One of the workers said:
“We can only afford the cheapest possible food, no milk, meat, fruits, salad. We avoid socializing and joining wedding events, even in the family, because we cannot afford clothing for the purpose.”
Another shared:
“In my house I have only three lightbulbs and two fans – nothing more, we cannot afford to provide proper education (for my children).”
Labour Behind the Label conducted months of interviews, data analysis and research on the ground. They called what was uncovered “shocking” cases of “hidden exploitation.” Lord Alton chairs Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights. Accordingly he said the findings revealed how the fashion industry “trades on the broken backs of virtual slave labor.” With its estimated 500,000 third-party fashion sellers, Amazon could be viewed as participating in a forced labor business model.
“No one is taking responsibility”
Amazon does require its sellers to agree that no items will be “manufactured, in whole or in part, by child labor or by convict or forced labor”. They also require sellers to abide by all local laws on “working conditions, wages, hours”. However, the problem is sellers are not required to share their supply chain. Markedly, they also don’t have to provide any proof of supply chain audits or results of any audits done. Further, the current policy only ever requires supply chain information to be supplied if requested by Amazon.
Labour Behind the Label’s policy lead, Anna Bryher said:
“It is not enough to say that sellers are bound by a contract if no one is able to investigate or hold sellers to account for their supply chain relationships. Despite Amazon’s public commitments to ethical practices, the platform’s actual requirements for sellers fall far short of international human rights standards”.
Sian Lea of Anti-Slavery International said the investigation highlights that currently no one is taking responsibility for ensuring goods being sold on Amazon aren’t being made in exploitative conditions. Therefore, rights groups are demanding the UK “urgently” introduce import bans on products that are made using forced labor like those in place in the US.
Stop slavery being delivered to our doorstep
Lord Alton is calling for the UK’s Modern Slavery Act to be strengthened. Further, he asks that goods produced in countries “credibly accused of using slave and child labor” be labelled with a consumer warning.
He added:
“Marketplace websites, like Amazon, need to become more active in insisting that companies whose products they sell take greater responsibility in sourcing their products… We must insist on no more turning a blind eye.”
Freedom United stands beside Labour Behind the Labor and Lord Alton in demanding that lawmakers do more to stop modern slavery goods from landing in markets and homes across the UK. We also add our voice to those calling on Amazon to stop using third-party sellers as an excuse. Join us in calling on Amazon to do some due diligence and put people before profit.
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