The ACT initiative has published guidance for its members on how to treat their suppliers in Myanmar.

ACT is an agreement between 20 global brands - including H&M, Inditex, Primark, Next, PVH, Tesco, Zalando, ASOS, Bestseller and C&A - and the IndustriALL global union in pursuit of living wages for workers in textile and garment supply chains.

As per Eco Textile, key elements to its advice include engaging suppliers on a case by case basis, endeavoring to maintain open and effective lines of communication and ensuring an accessible complaints mechanism is available for suppliers should they feel they have been unfairly penalized for delays.

The statement also says that ACT members have developed a framework to address any need to pause manufacturing orders, placed by global brands with local suppliers, due to the ongoing circumstances in Myanmar.

Brands including H&M, Bestseller, Primark, C&A and Benetton have temporarily halted orders from their suppliers in Myanmar following the coup, although most of these companies are now sourcing from the country again. This can increase the pressure on employers as well as placing at risk the rights of the workers they employ, the statement continues.

ACT also warns that respect for freedom of association (FOA) for workers in garment factories across Myanmar remains a major concern following the coup.

It states that the current situation poses a threat to the effectiveness and implementation of the FOA Guideline due to the breakdown of communication and a host of new challenges facing workers and employers.

It adds that the Fast-Track Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM), negotiated by ACT member brands, IndustriALL and the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM), can also be used to address and resolve disputes on workers’ rights.