Six European apparel giants have stepped in to rally support and obtain financial aid for tens of thousands of Myanmar workers who lost their jobs in the economic fallout caused by the global Coronavirus pandemic. These include Swedish H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) Group, Spanish Inditex known for their brand Zara, Britain’s Next, Belgian-German-Dutch C&A, Denmark's Bestseller and Germany's Tachibo.

These brands have urged the stakeholders of Myanmar’s garment and footwear industry to make rapid and coordinated joint approach and action to help their workers. They have signed an agreement with suppliers and trade unions to protect the garment industry and workers in Myanmar from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This agreement with the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) and the IndustriALL Global Union aims to keep the doors of the industry open to the world and its workers protected during and after the pandemic.

Among other things, the apparel brands expressed their commitment to secure financial aid for workers and ensure that their working environment complies with health and safety rules to protect workers from novel Coronavirus transmission. The clothing companies also expressed support for workers' rights in participation in union activities and tripartite dialogue to settle issues.