In a statement to the BBC, Shein said it was investing tens of millions of dollars “in strengthening governance and compliance across our supply chain”.
“We are actively working to improve our suppliers’ practices, including ensuring that hours worked are voluntary and that workers are compensated fairly for what they do, and also recognise the importance of industry collaboration to ensure continuous improvement and progress in this area,” it said.
“As a result of our efforts, research we have conducted with our third party auditors has found that workers at Shein supplier facilities in China earn basic salaries that are significantly higher than the average local minimum wage. ”
Shein told Public Eye that suppliers were required to ensure they met local laws and regulations governing wages and working hours.
“Where violations [of our governance policies] are found, we take firm action… [including] termination of the business relationship.”
With regards to surveillance cameras, Shein told Public Eye that suppliers made their own decisions to install cameras in their facilities, and the company did not have access to suppliers’ security camera feeds or footage.
Regarding children in factories, the company told Public Eye: “We strictly do not tolerate child labour. We treat any violations with utmost severity.”
It acknowledged that some factory staff faced a challenge of balancing work and childcare, which “can result in workers bringing their children to their workplace”.
“Being aware of this, we provide financial support for suppliers to create childcare centres within or near their premises.”
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