Gap, Walmart Factory Workers Exploited and Abused in India

The report focuses on the working conditions in factories for Walmart, H&M and Gap in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia

Female workers have reported sexual abuse and harassment in their workplaces in Walmart, Gap factories in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Indonesia. (Photo: iStock)

Intensive labour exploitation, abuse, non-payment of wages and sexual harassment are just the beginning of violations reported by factory workers in India and Bangladesh against their employers, retail giants Gap, H&M and Walmart, according to a latest report released by The Asia Floor Wage Alliance.

Several workers in India were made to work on Sunday and national holiday, in the sweltering heat, without adequate supply of clean drinking water or breaks, informed the report, which highlights shocking human rights violations.

The report titled ‘Precarious Work in the Walmart Global Value Chain’ surveyed over 24 Walmart producing factories in India where workers reported serious international labour violations including range of wage practices, payment of wages below their skill level, denial of legally stipulated over time rates, illegal deductions, late payments and non-payment of wages.

The reports by the Alliance focused on the working conditions across the companies’ supplier factories for Walmart, H&M and Gap in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Cambodia.

Forced to Work Overtime, Not Allowed to Form Unions

International labour violations have been reported in Gap, H&M and Walmart factories among others, according to the report. (Photo: iStock)

Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia were also surveyed as part of the report, with similar shocking revelations arising from the Asian nations.

Workers in Walmart factories stated that they constantly receive threats of terminations if they refuse to work overtime or exercise their right to form unions and associations. Of all the surveyed areas, these conditions are most prevalent in Delhi-NCR with people being employed as casual and contract workers lacking job security and social security benefits.

Any requests for leave, half-days, less work is met with strong physical and verbal abuse, says the report.

Severe Health Consequences for Workers

An Indian worker grinds metal to finish at an industrial unit in Bangalore, India(Photo: AP/Aijaz Rahi)

The report further added that health consequences faced by workers in India’s garment industry include respiratory illnesses including silicosis from sand blasting, tuberculosis, ergonomic issues such as back pain, reproductive health issues and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.

While major accidents are not common, minor incidents such as puncture wounds from needles are a daily occurrence. Other hazards include extended exposure to heat, noise, dust and chemicals; and biological vulnerability due to poor nutrition.

Precarious Work in the Walmart Global Value Chain Report

Widespread Sexual Harassment Against Women

Maternity benefits is almost non-existent in these factories, according to the report. Image for representational purposes only. (Photo: iStock)

Crimes against women in the factories are also highlighted in the report, including sexual harassment, physical and sexual violence.

Women workers are also afraid to report such instances due to the fear of being fired.

Maternity benefits are also granted very inconsistently, ranging from none at all to below mandatory requirements.

The report cited the April 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy in Bangladesh, when 1,139 workers were killed in the collapse of the eight-story commercial building. Following the devastating collapse, 200 brands signed the 2013 legally binding Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh but Walmart refused.

Instead of signing the Accord, Walmart, together with Gap, founded the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety which is a voluntary measure rather than a contractual commitment. Walmart has refused to make a contractual commitment ensuring safe working conditions for Bangladeshi workers.

Read More: H&M Working to Improve Labour Conditions in Its India Factories

(With PTI inputs)