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After Chinese newspaper Global Times published an open letter from employees at a Shenzhen Gucci flagship detailing complaints about working conditions—including rules dictating that employees request permission before using the bathroom or drinking water—the luxury Italian fashion house has initiated an investigation into local mismanagement. WWD reports:
The company said it has investigated the complaints and as a result has taken a number of actions, including replacing the senior management involved, as well as the assistant store manager; established a confidential communications channel between sales staff and senior management; strengthened its store management training, and reiterated its guiding principles.The employees filing the complaint demanded a $15,000 settlement for unpaid "overtime wages." Gucci has "rejected the former employees’ request for compensation."
· Gucci responds to China worker abuse charges [WWD]