Work on holidays is counted as overtime - but is still mandatory. It is not unusual for workers to be paid late - sometimes by several months. If a worker is late for three days in a row, she loses a whole day's pay. If she is absent for oneday, she will lose more than just one day's pay. Sometimes young workers are beaten for making mistakes or for going to the toiletwithout permission.
Some workers also complain of skin problems caused by chemicals used to treat the fabrics.
Often there is no canteen, not even a space where workers can eat - even though workersmay spend whole days and nights in the factory. Malnutrition is not uncommon. Many workers are body-searched when they leave the factory. These conditions are not exceptions. They are the rule, despite the country's comprehensive labour legislation.