The problems in the clothing industry

Famous brands linked to harassment in Guatemala

Textile workers in factories in Guatemala are raising the alarm about abuses during the production of garments for well-known American brands, according to an investigation by CNN.

Tens of thousands of people work in the factories that supply companies such as Carhartt and Ralph Lauren. Employees testify to abuses in the form of sexual harassment, dirty drinking water, threats of withholding wages and quotas that are impossible to meet.

Worker Laura testifies to a difficult situation, not least for women. She says she was subjected to unpleasant advances by a manager.

– I knew it wasn't okay, but I was too afraid to tell anyone about it.

Guatemala developed into an important country for American companies during the corona pandemic, when lockdowns stopped deliveries from Asia.

"We were expected to make 300 t-shirts every hour"

The managers of Guatemala's textile factories make completely unreasonable demands on employees. This is what Rutilia Cano, who worked in such factories for almost 30 years before losing her job earlier this year, tells CNN, which reveals major workplace abuses.

Cano is approaching 60 years old and had no way to keep up with the brutal pace, she says.

- We were expected to make 300 t-shirts an hour, but I couldn't do it. I'm old, I could make maybe 150-175 t-shirts and the managers were always on me.

CNN's investigation shows that employees are subjected to sexual abuse and that many do not dare to report it, for fear of reprisals. The factories supply clothing to brands such as Carhartt and Ralph Lauren.