Brilliant Alliance

Brilliant Alliance Workers Secure $8.3 Million in Back Pay from Victoria’s Secret

After months of worker protests and campaigning by activists internationally, Victoria’s Secret has provided $8.3 million owed in severance to Thai workers who sewed their lingerie. To our knowledge, this was the largest case of severance theft ever at an individual garment factory – and thus this is the biggest severance case victory to date. 

Receiving this back pay makes a huge difference for more than 1,250 workers and their families – many of whom had to take out loans to pay their rent or feed their kids after the factory suddenly closed in March 2021.

Two additional brands that sourced from the factory, Torrid and Lane Bryant, both part of Sycamore Partners, were unresponsive to the campaign and did not contribute any support to the workers.

We extend our deep gratitude to the nearly 50,000 people who took action and signed our petition in support of the Brilliant Alliance workers. Now, we call on the buyers at Brilliant Alliance – and all other major apparel brands and retailers – to ensure workers are never again left penniless when factories close by negotiating a binding agreement with unions.

Cover photo credit: Rungkarn Intarasopa