Fight Forced Labor in China
Forced labor is modern slavery. It must end.
The American consumer can no longer ignore the horrific abuses against Uyghur Muslims in China. Between 2017-2019, the Chinese government has forcefully transferred an estimated 800,000 to 1.8 million Uyghur Muslims from their homes in Xinjiang to detention centers and factories throughout China. These people have been forced to manufacture products for international sale under forced labor conditions. In such conditions these individuals work tirelessly in dangerous working environments and for insufficient pay to produce low-cost goods.
The issue of forced Uyghur labor is particularly serious within the global textile and apparel industry. China is the global leader in textile production output, 20% of global cotton production is sourced from Xinjiang, and 1 in 5 garments sold globally involve forced labor production. Now, in 2020, these workers have been forced to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to be sold worldwide in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
To fight this issue, we must urge Congress to pass legislation that will end America’s reliance on countries like China for the production of textiles and apparel, and in particular PPE. The American textile industry is working diligently to convert manufacturing and ramp up production PPE for our local and national frontline health care workers and hospitals to help them save lives. But they cannot develop supply chains and compete with foreign organizations offering low-cost products made from forced labor.
Reach out to your elected Representatives and request that they promote legislation and policies in support of the American PPE production. Locate the member of Congress who represents your facilities and your home address by clicking here and entering your zip code.
The National Council of Textile Organization thanks you for making your voice heard.
Click to access the letter and show your support.
