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Shein Faces Renewed Criticism Over Persistent 75-Hour Work Weeks

New report by Swiss advocacy group Public Eye reveals ongoing excessive working hours and stagnant wages at Shein's supplier factories in China.

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This picture shows signage of cross-border fast fashion e-commerce company SHEIN at a garment factory in Guangzhou, in China's southern Guangdong province on July 18, 2022. (Photo by Jade Gao / AFP) (Photo by JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images)
The website of the Chinese online retailer Shein can be seen on a laptop. Photo: Monika Skolimowska/dpa/ (Photo by Monika Skolimowska/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Overview

  • Public Eye's investigation found workers at Shein suppliers still averaging 75-hour weeks, despite promises of reform.
  • Employees reported working 12-hour days, six to seven days a week, with minimal wage increases since 2021.
  • Shein's supplier code of conduct limits work to 60 hours a week, but this is widely ignored.
  • Workers are often required to fix mistakes unpaid, and surveillance in factories has increased.
  • Shein claims significant progress in improving conditions, but acknowledges ongoing challenges.