Most of Hong Kong’s large garment companies have refused to disclose
their employment policies, including their attitudes to child labour,
to an Oxfam survey.
The survey on labour transparency covered 16 Hong Kong companies
operating in 34 countries, including Esprit, Giordano, Goldlion and
G2000. John Sayer, Oxfam’s director-general, was disappointed by the
response. He warned: ‘By not being transparent companies risk their
reputations and branding.’
The study rated companies on the transparency of their supply chain and
the availability of the information for consumers and investors. It
considered whether companies followed international labour standards on
abolishing employment of children under 15, eliminating compulsory
labour and discrimination, granting freedom of association and
participating in collective bargaining.
Companies that scored zero were Bossini, Chickeeduck, Goldlion and G2000. Esprit recorded the highest score of ten.
