A new documentary has been released, alleging worker abuse in the factories that supply the fast fashion giant.
The documentary, entitled “Untold: Inside the Shein Machine” aired on the UK-based Channel 4. To get the information, a member of the documentary teams got work at two factories and filmed conditions in them. It claims workers are work 18 hours shifts for little pay. In addition, workers can be fined in they make mistakes on pieces. Workers also claim they experience physical abuse.
Shein has responded saying, if true, that these claims are counter to their agreements with the factories they work with. They also said they reached out the Channel 4 for more information to investigate the allegations. Previously, Shein’s own audit revealed their suppliers had mediocre or poor performance. However, their efforts to reframe their image in the minds of consumers has focused on sustainability, rather than ethical conditions for workers.
Often, the arguments I see against fast fashion are based in the environmental impact. While that is very true, we really have to consider the impacts of this type of production on people directly. I do think that given the price of its items and the speed with which they are able put out new styles, it is worth looking into this brand further. With items of clothing costing less than $2, you do have to question how that is possible. Is it possible to get costs that low while treating workers well? I have not personally shopped with Shein before, but these further issues with the retailer don’t make me inclined to ever try.
Sources
(image credit to Shein)
Douglass, R. (October 17, 2022). New investigation finds Shein factory employees work 18-hour shifts. Fashion United. https://fashionunited.com/news/business/new-investigation-finds-shein-factory-employees-work-18-hour-shifts/2022101750195
Jackson, S. (October 16, 2022). Shein factory employees are working 18-hour days for pennies per garment and washing their hair on lunch breaks because they have so little time off, new report finds. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/shein-factory-workers-18-hour-shifts-paid-low-wages-report-2022-10
If you want to read more content like this, here are some more you might like:
And here are my most recent posts:
A Wren Says 
Leave a comment