Protesters say "Pants to Primark!"
A group of fifteen human rights campaigners demonstrating against the exploitation of workers in the clothing industry reduced the fanfare surrounding the new Primark store in Liverpool
Protesters say “Pants to Primark!” at new store opening in Liverpool
Sarah Corbett, who took part in the protest, reports:
Labour Behind the Label’s new Clean Up Fashion report on the state of pay behind the UK high street came out on Friday 14^th September. Using this report, the campaigners wanted to raise public awareness of the conditions in which Primark and other clothing retailers’ garments are made.
Primark was targeted above other unethical stores because the demonstrators believe that their budget approach influences the UK’s retail practices and drives prices down within high street stores, fuelling demand for disposable clothing. The protesters were asking people to think before they buy, voice their concerns to these clothing companies, and call on the UK government to strengthen the regulations on the clothing industry.
The demonstration involved holding up placards, handing out leaflets and getting people to sign a petition calling for Primark to raise its ethical standards. During the day a total of 428 signatures were collected. The petitions were handed over to Primark’s store manager and copies sent to local MPs.
A protester commented,
“Primark’s profits have risen substantially and therefore we believe that they can afford to pay their workers a living wage. Many people were genuinely shocked by our information and wanted to know more. It was a shame we couldn’t stay until closing time — we ran out of leaflets!”