The Rolling Stones have asked their merchandising team to end their deal with fast fashion brand Shein. I warned the group about allegations of violation of labor rights in the supply chain of a Chinese company.
On Friday, the world’s largest clothing retailer boasted that it was “proud to announce a deal” for a “licensed collection dedicated to the legendary rock band.”
The range includes the band’s 60th Anniversary dinosaur print t-shirt priced at £4.49, as well as a £1.50 phone case and £5 cap, all featuring the famous Rolling Stones logo with tongue and lips .
The goods went on sale last week – less than two months after an undercover investigation revealed that clothing makers at two Chinese factories producing clothes for Shein often worked up to 18 hours a day and were paid as little as 3p per item, without weekends and only one day off. per month.
Channel 4 documentary results Untold: Inside Shein’s Machine – first reported I mid October caused widespread outrage and concern.
It is understood that Bravado International Group Merchandising Services, Inc. signed the Shein x Rolling Stones deal. Bravado is owned by Universal Music Group, which acquired the worldwide rights to the Stones brand and its back catalog of recorded music and videos in 2018.
Hours after they were challenged on Monday due to concerns over working conditions regarding the ethics of the new series, the group called for the deal to be cancelled.
A spokesman for the Rolling Stones said: “We want to say thank you Ito draw our attention to it. This is a license agreement with Bravado Inc, so they have the right to use the trademark on the products.
“We do not want to be associated with Shein as we have become aware of the recent revelations of the treatment of workers in the supply chain and have demanded that the line be shut down.”
The news will increase pressure on other artists, influencers, and companies to cut ties with Shein.
Days after the Channel 4 investigation aired, Georgia Portogallo, who runs an influence agency, said she would no longer work with the brand after learning of the “terrible” allegations.
previous Made in Chelsea Star Georgia Toffolo has also reportedly stopped promotional work with the company.
But other companies, such as payment company Klarna, are everything. partner with Shein Clothing collections and pop-up stores, including this year in London’s Covent Garden and Berlin, which advertise on the retailer’s website, declined to comment on the company’s allegations.
Dominique Muller, political director of ethical fashion campaigning group Labor Behind the Label, said: “It’s great to see the Rolling Stones’ determination to demand an end to their deal with Shein after learning of such worrying conditions in the label’s clothing factories. . brand.
“This deal highlights the potential pitfalls for celebrities and influencers signing up to ‘collaborate’ with companies operating in the fast fashion industry, which regularly faces employee exploitation.
“We urge all companies to conduct due diligence on clothing companies before signing any contracts to ensure that labor rights abuses are not being committed on their behalf and line their pockets. We urge those with active contracts with Shein to put principles first in order to deliver real improvements for the thousands of workers who toil in poverty for large corporations.”
The deal with the Stones was revealed to have been finalized earlier this year, months before the Channel 4 investigation aired. But last year, Shein was publicly exposed after workers in the factories that make his clothes told Swiss researchers they work 75 hours a week.
Universal’s Code of Conduct states: “As a responsible global industry leader, we take steps to protect human rights in everything we do, including choosing business partners who share our commitment to respecting human rights and doing business with integrity.”
He promises: “We treat all people with dignity and respect: never allowing human rights violations such as child labour, slavery, human trafficking and unsafe or unfair recruitment practices in our operations; Doing business with partners, suppliers and customers who share our commitment to protecting human rights; Report if we see or suspect human rights violations.”
Universal was contacted for comment.
Shane said the new line of 59 products follows the “overwhelming success” of the Stones’ earlier line and “will capture the band’s heartfelt rock ‘n’ roll spirit”.
Shein was asked to comment on the Rolling Stones’ call to end the merchandise deal.
Rather, the individual is “absolutely committed” to their supplier code of conduct, which is “in line with the core conventions of the International Labor Organization.” An investigative statement from Channel 4 last month said: “Shein engages leading third-party agencies to conduct regular inspections of supplier facilities to ensure compliance.
“Suppliers will be given a specific time frame to correct violations, otherwise Shein will take immediate action against the supplier, including terminating the partnership.”
Source: I News
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