On Saturday 2nd May supporters of People Tree, People Tree Foundation and War on Want demonstrated over poverty wages for garment workers as Primark, opened a huge new two-floor store in London.
The protesters handed out leaflets to shoppers, calling for a living wage and an end to the exploitation of garment workers making clothes for Primark.

 

 

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People Tree customers and War on Want supporters of all ages turned up early on a Saturday morning to join in. As part of the protest Katherine Kirk, Primark’s new Ethical Trading Director was invited to meet the protesters to receive a letter highlighting Primark’s aggressive purchasing practices, contributing towards the poor working conditions for garment workers. Unfortunately Ms Kirk did not respond to the invitation or send a representative.

The letter addressed Primark’s code of conduct which says living wages are paid, working hours are not excessive, no harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed and freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected.

But, in December War on Wants research, Fashion Victims II, cited workers producing clothes for Primark in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka earning as little as 7p an hour for up to 80-hour weeks.

Some employees received only the minimum wage, £13.97 (1663 taka) a month, far less than the £44.82 (5333 taka) needed for nutritious food, clean water, shelter, clothes, education, health care and transport.

Safia Minney, expressed her concerns about Primark and action that the government could be taking.
“I have read War on Want’s excellently researched report, ‘Fashion Victims II’, which shows that factory employees are still being exploited and are in an even worse financial position than before.
Working conditions such as the ones described in the report would definitely not be accepted here.
We need to remind everyone that whatever the geographical difference between us and the factory workers who make our clothes, these are real people who just like us need jobs that pay enough to buy at least the basics in life, food, shelter, healthcare and education.”

Katherine Kirk didn’t think we were serious over our concerns or that they were not supported by the public. If you would like to show Ms Kirk that people do care then add your name to the the Primark Petition letter .

We will resend it to Ms Kirk in June to show her how much people do care and hopefully start a constructive dialogue in addressing the problems.

Read Safia’s blog to find out more and watch the video online.