In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that followed exposed and exacerbated the exploitation and inequalities that have always been at the centre of the global fashion industry. In this end-of-the-year bonus episode from us at Remember Who Made Them, we discuss how we can inspire ethical consumers to become consumer activists. 

We talk with author and one of the initiators of #PayUp Fashion campaign: Elizabeth Cline and to labour organiser Andrew Tillet Saks about how brands hold the power and what more we can do to be in solidarity with workers. Venetia also talks to two Myanmar based workers, Tin Tin Wei: union president at Running-Tex Garment Factory and an organizer for the Federation of Garment Workers Myanmar and Thuzar Kyi, union president at Amber Stone factory. Myanmar hit the headlines earlier this year when several news outlets reported widespread violence and intimidation of workers which were also raised in the report by Business and Human Rights on emerging and widespread patterns of supplier factories appearing to target unionised workers, organising for better conditions who were being aggressively and illegally dismissed.

Tin Tin and Thuzar’s stories are incredibly powerful and we hope listening to their commitment to work everyday for a more fair and just fashion industry will inspire you. 

We also give deep gratitude to Shin, who translated for Tin Tin and Thuzar so more of you could hear their powerful stories.  

Read: Elizabeth Cline for Atmos: https://atmos.earth/ethical-consumerism/

Find Pay Up Fashion: https://payupfashion.com/

Guardian Article on Garment Worker Dismissals in Myanmar: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/aug/07/covid-led-to-brutal-crackdown-on-garment-workers-rights-says-report 

Business and Human Rights Report on Union Busting: https://media.business-humanrights.org/media/documents/files/200805_Union_busting_unfair_dismissals_garment_workers_during_COVID19.pdf 

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Podcast artwork by: Judith_P.Raynault: @judith_p.raynault

Music: Melisa Le Rue Life Is Beautiful produced by Colin Emmanuel.

Disclaimer: This is a not for profit campaign. Everyone involved is giving their time free of charge. This podcast is not sponsored and features no adverts.

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