Orljava factory: German shirt brand Olymp urged to stop wage theft in Croatia
Orljava is a garment factory in eastern Croatia, which produced business shirts for the German high-quality shirt brand Olymp for over 50 years. When Covid-19 hit, Olymp began drastically cutting orders at the Orljava factory, forcing the factory to begin laying off some of its 300 workers. By April of 2021, Olymp - the factory’s largest buyer, representing 80% of production at the factory - stopped making orders altogether. Orljava went bankrupt and laid off the remaining 172 workers.
The Orljava workers are still owed more than 450,000 euros in severance pay. Because Olymp have underpaid the workers who make their clothes for decades, the former Olymp workers are the least able to pay the price for the pandemic. Brands such as Olymp that claim to be socially responsible have abandoned the garment workers who make their clothes. Olymp must ensure the workers who make their clothes receive their full severance.
“It is hard to find a job and many of us need to work just a few more years until retirement. What is more important, despite difficult working conditions, we loved our job, and many years ago we were proud of working in Orljava for Olymp. As the biggest and exclusive buyer, we hold you responsible for our low salaries and for closing the company.”
Above: Orljava workers protest at Olymp stores (left and center); German activists take action in solidarity (right)
“How does Olymp say thanks for 50 years of loyalty? Through a dismissal note. Compensation for Orljava employees now!”
Sign held by German activist at Olymp headquarters, pictured left
