H&M joins other retailers in severing ties with Myanmar garment factories after allegations of labor abuse

H&M is calling it quits with suppliers in Myanmar following reports of labor abuses in local garment factories, Reuters reported.

“After careful consideration we have now taken the decision to gradually phase out our operations in Myanmar,” H&M told Reuters. “We have been monitoring the latest developments in Myanmar very closely and we see increased challenges to conduct our operations according to our standards and requirements.”

The retailer joins brands including Inditex, Primark, and Marks & Spencer that have also cut ties with Myanmar factories.

H&M has 39 factories in Myanmar and is currently looking into 20 alleged instances of abuse at them, including wage theft and forced overtime.

A deeper look: Although fast fashion as an industry has taken a lot of flak over sustainability and labor issues, some brands are taking steps to address it, at least on some level.

Shein, for instance, which has previously garnered criticism for alleged labor violations, has denied the allegations and stated it has “zero tolerance for forced labor.”

Meanwhile, H&M has looked to the metaverse to boost its sustainability efforts, by launching a circular fashion game on Roblox that allows users to mix and match a variety of fabrics, and recycle garments to create unique pieces of clothing.