Shein has been making efforts recently to go public on the London Stock Exchange. But a recent investigation by the BBC shone a light on the shocking and illegal labor exploitation going on in “Shein Village”, the warren of factories that represent the engine of the world’s largest fast fashion retailer. 

“If there are 31 days in a month, I will work 31 days.” 

Workers come to Guangzhou from rural locations all over China in search of a higher income. The area has become an industrial hub and the neighborhood known as “Shein Village” is a big part of that. However, the reality of achieving that “higher income” is built on exploitative conditions.  

The BBC found that the main workforce, those who labor behind sewing machines, were working for around 75 hours a week. A horrific number of hours and illegal under Chinese labor laws but seemingly ubiquitous in Shein Village.  

One 49-year-old woman from Jiangxi who was unwilling to give her name said: 

“We usually work, 10, 11 or 12 hours a day, on Sundays we work around three hours less.” 

Another worker said: 

“If there are 31 days in a month, I will work 31 days.” 

Most of those interviewed said at most they only have one day off a month. Workers get paid by the piece. For something simple, like a t-shirt, they get less than $1 USD. So, it’s all about speed and volume. Workers interviewed said the cost of living was so high and they earned so little, that extreme hours were the only way to get ahead.  

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