Somo and ICN (both from the Netherlands) published a follow-up report on working conditions in the textile and garment industry in India in April 2012 (“Maid in India“, April 2012).
The first report (“Captured by Cotton“, May 2011) revealed that girls and young women are recruited for a lump-sum on a three years-contract-basis. Excessive overwork, low wages, no access to grievance mechanisms or redress, restricted freedom of movement and limited privacy are part and parcel of the working and employment conditions.
The update now shows that, despite industry´s promises after the first report, in Tamil Nadu young women workers continue to suffer exploitative working conditions while making garments for the suppliers of popular Western brands. Thousands of girls work under recruitment and employment schemes that amount to bonded labour.