Defending Workers' Rights Under the German Supply Chain Act: Dismissed garment workers versus German clothing brand OTTO

Are you interested in learning how migrant workers in Thailand are leveraging legal tools to defend their labour rights? Join us for an engaging webinar as we unveil the details of a complaint filed under the German Supply Chain Act.

Date: 19 February 2025
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 CET
Where: Online Webinar

The complaint is spearheaded by the Clean Clothes Campaign on behalf of migrant garment workers from Myanmar, who produced clothes for Otto Group brands at the Royal Knitting Factory in Thailand. They have been deprived of their legally owed wages and severance pay for almost five years. While it is not the Otto Group that owes wages to the workers in its supply chain, it is their responsibility under the German Supply Chain Act to take effective measures to remedy labour law violations, such as the one that occured in the underlying case. Otto maintains that they did not have a business relationship with the factory during the disputed period and is denying responsibility.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Knitting Factory in Thailand suddenly dismissed 209 employees without notice and without paying their outstanding wages or severance. Although a Thai court ruled in favour of the workers, awarding them 1 million USD, they have received nothing to this day. 

The complaint is based on our view that there are clear and objective indications that the Otto Group has failed to remedy the injustice suffered by these workers in accordance with the German Supply Chain Act. With this complaint we are asking BAFA to investigate these indications and take appropriate measures.

The event will be a unique opportunity to:

• Hear from the affected workers as well as the MAP Foundation, the local Thai organisation supporting them
• Gain insights into the German Supply Chain Act and European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and their critical role in ensuring accountability in the global garment industry.

Speakers:

• Garment workers from the Royal Knitting factory in Thailand and their representative from MAP Foundation 
• Anna Cavazzini, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Greens/European Free Alliance
• Simon Simanovski, lawyer specialised in the German Supply Chain Act and corporate law

Practical information:

• Sign up for the webinar by completing the form below
• The event is in English, with Burmese, Thai, and German interpretation available
• For any questions, feel free to contact Noa: noa@cleanclothes.org.

Sign up for the webinar