An average workweek of 75 hours—equivalent to nearly double the recommended maximum workweek in Shein’s supplier Code of Conduct—continues to be the harsh reality for many of Shein’s workers, according to a recent follow-up investigation by Public Eye.
Despite Shein’s previous pledges to improve transparency and labor conditions, a new report from Public Eye highlights persistent issues surrounding Shein work conditions, including excessive work hours and wage discrepancies. The late summer 2023 survey interviewed 13 employees across six production sites, uncovering grueling twelve-hour workdays, at least six days a week, and wages significantly lower than the local living wage.
The findings reveal that, on average, workers are paid between 6,000 and 10,000 yuan per month. However, factoring in overtime, the basic wage can plunge to as low as 2,400 yuan, well beneath Guangzhou’s statutory minimum wage. Despite Shein’s investments of $15 million and a subsequent $70 million in factory improvements,…
the promises for change remain largely unfulfilled with transparency issues and the disappearance of Shein’s founder adding to the skepticism. Key Takeaways Workers report an average of 12-hour workdays, six to seven days a week, totaling approximately 75-hour workweeks.
Wages fluctuate between 6,000 and 10,000 yuan per month, significantly lower than the living wage in China. Basic wage, after accounting for overtime, can fall to about 2,400 yuan, below Guangzhou’s statutory minimum wage.
Shein employees face fines up to 1,000 yuan for quality control errors, further impacting their financial stability. Despite Shein’s announcements of significant investments in factory improvements, labor conditions remain largely unchanged.
Latest Findings by Public Eye In the summer of 2023, Public Eye conducted a follow-up labor investigation, interviewing 13 employees across six Shein factories in Guangdong Province. The findings highlight persistent worker exploitation, with employees enduring 12-hour shifts and 75-hour weeks…
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