Last Updated: 2015.07.16
Updates on the Strike at Shenzhen Artigas Clothing & Leatherware Factory in China
FAST RETAILING CO., LTD.
UNIQLO CO., LTD.
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Ever since the strike began this June, Fast Retailing has requested Lever Style to respect workers' human rights and employment at Shenzhen Artigas Clothing & Leatherware Factory, a production partner of UNIQLO, and to resolve the strike in a peaceful manner. At the same time, Fast Retailing has requested Lever Style to engage in a dialogue with the workers who are on strike, as well as continue with social security payments, maintain working conditions, and ensure employment.
Regarding these points, Lever Style has provided the following replies to Fast Retailing:
| 1.) | The reason for the strike is in protest against Lever Style's decision to relocate the workers to a new Lever Style factory that is 5 kilometers away, and in the same District. The workers request that the company should terminate their contracts and pay them severance. Regarding this request, Lever Style is encouraging the workers to engage in dialogue with the management. In reality, the factory has already been in discussions with the workers, and it plans to continue to do so. In addition, Lever Style has established telephone hotlines to facilitate direct communication with the workers. |
| 2.) | Working conditions, including the workers' remuneration or benefits, will be maintained at the time of the relocation. Lever Style currently meets all of its legal obligations with respect to the payment of social security, overtime and unused paid holidays. However, since the new facility is in the same District as the current facility, there is no legal requirement for Lever Style to pay any compensation for workers who decline to continue with their employment contracts due to the relocation. |
| 3.) | No worker has been dismissed because of the relocation. Lever Style is actively encouraging the striking workers to join their colleagues at the new facility, and it plans to retain all of the workers. |
Fast Retailing's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program places top priority on respecting the human rights of workers and improving the working environment for workers employed by the company's production partners.
Fast Retailing believes that in order to resolve the strike in a peaceful manner, it is necessary to align the opinions of the factory and the workers. With this in mind, Fast Retailing strongly urges Lever Style to resolve the matter promptly and peacefully.
