The article discusses the implementation of the Dindigul Agreement at Natchi, a garment factory in India that had faced criticism and scrutiny due to allegations of forced labor and poor working conditions. The agreement was signed by H&M Group, Walmart, Zara's owner Inditex, and other brands, with the aim of improving working conditions and reducing the risk of forced labor.
The article reports on the progress made since the agreement was implemented, including an increase in productivity, a reduction in harassment against women workers, and the establishment of a grievance mechanism. However, it also notes that some brands have been hesitant to source from Natchi, citing concerns about strikes and industrial disputes.
The article attributes this reluctance to a broader industry-wide attitude towards labor laws and regulations. Shivakumar, a professor at Cornell University's ILR School, is quoted as saying that the industry does not care about implementing labor reforms, except in response to major tragedies or disasters.
Kuruvilla, another expert, notes that some brands are unwilling to source from Natchi because they perceive collective bargaining agreements and labor management agreements as a liability. He suggests that this attitude is driven by concerns about strikes and industrial disputes.
The article concludes by highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the fashion industry's supply chain, particularly when it comes to labor laws and regulations. Shivakumar is quoted as saying that unless there is some massive tragedy, nobody will do anything to implement meaningful reforms.
Overall, the article highlights the challenges of implementing labor reforms in the garment industry, particularly in countries like India where labor laws are often weak or poorly enforced. It also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability from brands and other stakeholders in order to ensure that workers are protected and treated fairly.
The article reports on the progress made since the agreement was implemented, including an increase in productivity, a reduction in harassment against women workers, and the establishment of a grievance mechanism. However, it also notes that some brands have been hesitant to source from Natchi, citing concerns about strikes and industrial disputes.
The article attributes this reluctance to a broader industry-wide attitude towards labor laws and regulations. Shivakumar, a professor at Cornell University's ILR School, is quoted as saying that the industry does not care about implementing labor reforms, except in response to major tragedies or disasters.
Kuruvilla, another expert, notes that some brands are unwilling to source from Natchi because they perceive collective bargaining agreements and labor management agreements as a liability. He suggests that this attitude is driven by concerns about strikes and industrial disputes.
The article concludes by highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the fashion industry's supply chain, particularly when it comes to labor laws and regulations. Shivakumar is quoted as saying that unless there is some massive tragedy, nobody will do anything to implement meaningful reforms.
Overall, the article highlights the challenges of implementing labor reforms in the garment industry, particularly in countries like India where labor laws are often weak or poorly enforced. It also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability from brands and other stakeholders in order to ensure that workers are protected and treated fairly.
I think what's really frustrating here is that it takes a major tragedy for brands to care about implementing real labor reforms. Like, what if this was just another Tuesday and not some high-profile factory collapse? Would anyone even be paying attention? 
The industry's always been more concerned with saving face than actually making changes.
We need more pressure from consumers and activists to demand change, not just when there's a big scandal waiting to happen.
. I mean, you got big names like H&M and Walmart signing up to the Dindigul Agreement, but still, some of them are hesitant to source from factories in India because they don't wanna risk strikes or industrial disputes 
. It's like, come on guys, if your workers are being mistreated, what's the point of all that profit? I think these experts are onto something when they say it's not until there's a major tragedy that brands will start taking action 
. We need more transparency and accountability in the fashion industry, for real 
. Brands gotta take responsibility for their supply chains and ensure workers are treated fairly 
. But, at the same time, I'm kinda baffled by brands that are still hesitant to source from Natchi because of strikes and industrial disputes 
. Can't they just commit to implementing meaningful reforms for once? 
It's also pretty eye-opening to hear experts say that labor laws are often weak or poorly enforced in countries like India 
. We need way more transparency and accountability from brands, especially when it comes to protecting workers' rights 
. Until then, I'll just have to keep following this story closely 
.
I think it's actually super cool that brands like H&M Group and Walmart are taking steps to improve working conditions at Natchi garment factory 
! I mean, sure, there's still a way to go, but progress is progress, right? 
. But I don't think it's entirely accurate to say that brands only care about reforming labor laws when there's a major tragedy or disaster 
. Transparency and accountability are key 
!
but what really gets me is how some brands are still hesitant to source from there because of strikes & industrial disputes. Like, what's the big deal? You pay those workers and they'll work hard for you, right? I remember back in my day... we thought labor laws were meant to protect workers, not just as a PR stunt 
I'm so sorry to hear about the struggles of those garment factory workers in Natchi, India. It's heartbreaking to think about the forced labor and poor working conditions they've faced... and it's frustrating that some brands still have concerns about implementing reforms 
. It's like, shouldn't we be doing better than this? 
. And it makes sense that Kuruvilla would say brands are hesitant to source from Natchi because they're worried about strikes and industrial disputes 
. We need brands to step up and take responsibility for ensuring workers are treated fairly and with dignity 
.