In the aftermath of the devastating 2023 earthquake in Türkiye, a report reveals the shocking neglect of workers' rights by garment factories and brands. Interviews with over 100 workers underscore the dire situation as most were not fully compensated, forcing them back to unsafe workplaces without proper structural inspections. 

The study, conducted between August and September 2023 in earthquake-affected cities, exposes the disregard for employee well-being by factory owners prioritizing international orders over safety. The Middle Eastern Technical University's previous survey aligns with these findings.

The report highlights adverse working conditions, including unsafe environments, low wages, and verbal harassment, exacerbated by the earthquake's impact. Financial distress, with 35% receiving no wages, compelled workers to return prematurely, facing threats of dismissal if they resisted. 

Failure to return resulted in the loss of accrued termination benefits. The report urges the garment sector and global brands to prioritize worker safety, conduct building inspections, ensure financial protection, and address harassment.

Bego Demir of Clean Clothes Campaign Turkey emphasizes the need for new global agreements, citing the inadequacy of existing frameworks. The Pay Your Workers – Respect Labour Rights agreement proposes legal safeguards and a severance guarantee fund, demanding brands proactively uphold workers' rights during crises. 

The report emphasizes the critical role of brands in maintaining sourcing relations and ensuring continued wage payments. Ultimately, the call for a binding agreement between brands and unions seeks to protect workers during times of crisis, distributing the burden more equitably.