Visits to our suppliers’ factories

We often receive media requests from various countries, regarding visit to the factories producing for H&M. H&M does not own any factories, but together with different media teams we regularly visit our suppliers’ factories as guests.  On June 19, we had booked a visit to one of our supplier’s factories in Cambodia together with Swedish television show Kalla Fakta.  

My two H&M colleagues in Cambodia who were to accompany the visit, met up with the tv team early morning for the drive to the factory. On the way my colleagues, Basir and Marcus, received a phone call from the management at the factory who explained that the local union had called for an unannounced strike that morning. Hence, the factory management decided to decline our visit that day. They did not have the possibility to take care of external visitors, since they wanted to focus on finding a solution to the strike.  Since we are guests at the factory we have to respect their decision, which we also explained to Kalla Fakta. The strike came to an end two days later.

We are aware of the challenges ahead, and as we strive to be transparent about the way we work, we are open to arrange for journalists to visit our suppliers’ factories when possible. The next factory visit to Cambodia with a media team is planned for August. We will continue to work hard for lasting improvements in Cambodia, and I will keep you posted on our actions going forward.

 

Helena Helmersson is our Head of Sustainability. Opinions expressed are her personal views and do not necessarily represent the official views of H&M. Do you have questions or feedback? Please click here.