Women's Rights T-shirt Maker Refutes Sweatshop Claims
The Fawcett Society, the organization responsible for a pro-feminism T-shirt worn by prominent British figures, has denied claims that its products were made in a sweatshop.
The Daily Mail claimed that the group's "This is what a feminist looks like" shirt was made by low-paid women on the island of Mauritius.
According to an article published by the BBC, The Mail on Sunday toured one of six factories on Mauritius owned by the maker of the shirts, and claimed that the factory conditions were not up to standards.
Eva Neitzert, deputy CEO of the Fawcett Society, said that the group was assured that the shirts would be ethically produced in the UK. She said that though the shirts had been made in Mauritius, the group asked about ethical credentials of the factory.
According a new article from the BBC, the Fawcett Society said that it has evidence to refute the sweatshop claims.
Neitzert issued a statement, saying that after an audit was carried out in October by an independent not-for-profit organization, all of the factory workers are paid above the government-mandated minimum wage, with 45-hour workweeks and pay for overtime. Workers are also able to join a union.
The shirts have been seen on British government figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, as well as celebrities like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Benedict Cumberbatch.
For more information, visit www.fawcettsociety.org.uk.