Sri Lankan textile trade unions have accused Next of union-busting by closing its only unionised factory in the South Asian country. This comes after a US $ 1.46 billion profit prediction for the British company.
In violation of Sri Lankan labour legislation, Next abruptly closed its only directly owned factory with a recognised trade union at Next Manufacturing Ltd (NML) Katunayake on 19th May without providing sufficient notice or consultation. Almost 1,400 workers were then notified of their termination via a WhatsApp message.
A joint statement from the Clean Clothes Campaign, War on Want, Labour Behind the Label, and the Free Trade Zones and General Service Employees Union (FTZ & GSEU) condemned the plant closure proposal.
According to the statement, the workers’ union, FTZ & GSEU, has achieved improved and safer working conditions, including higher wages and a notable decrease in sexual harassment.
The only unionised Next factory in the nation is the one that has been selected for closure, said the statement. There are still two un-unionised factories operating. It stated that the ramifications are obvious: this is union-busting disguised as a commercial tactic.
According to the statement, unions have been notified of instances in which employees were coerced into signing resignation letters after being misled into believing that doing so would guarantee their pay package.
