Italian antitrust law suspects Dior Armani of exploiting employees

Italy’s antitrust agency has opened an investigation into Armani Group and Dior Group over alleged exploitation of workers in the production of luxury clothing and other fashion goods. This is stated in the official messages departments

The antimonopoly body said it suspects the companies of “possible illegal actions during the promotion and sale of clothing and accessories, which violates the provisions of the Consumer Protection Code.” In particular, companies may be guilty of making false claims about their ethics and social responsibility, including the working conditions and legal compliance of their suppliers.

The agency suspects that Armani Group and Dior Group may have used false claims about high standards of craftsmanship and product quality. At the same time, materials from workshops and factories where workers received inadequate wages and worked in inadequate conditions were allegedly used for the manufacture of some products and accessories.

“These workers were often forced to work beyond statutory working hours and in conditions that did not meet health and safety standards. This goes against the stated levels of manufacturing excellence that the companies pride themselves on.”, the department said in a statement.

The investigation was part of a wider initiative by the Italian government to combat labor exploitation in high-profit industries such as fashion. Italy, as one of the centers of the world fashion industry, has always prided itself on high standards of quality and craftsmanship. However, recently there have been more cases of exposure of unscrupulous practices of big brands.

If the investigation confirms the violation, Armani Group and Dior Group could face serious legal and financial consequences, including large fines and restrictions on their activities in Europe. In addition, it can seriously affect the reputation of brands that have built the image of socially responsible companies for many years.