The appeal follows a public demonstration in Milan on 20 May, where CCC members from 21 countries gathered outside a major Benetton store to highlight what they described as “outstanding severance payments” owed to 28 former employees of the now-closed Leonarda subcontractor factory in Croatia.
According to the CCC, Benetton’s decision to end sourcing from Croatia in 2024 left long-time garment workers without the full severance pay required by Croatian law.
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The campaigners report that more than half of the total severance remains unpaid, totalling €50,000 ($58,200) for the 28 displaced workers.
The group alleges Benetton did not ensure its subcontractor factories were in a position to provide full compensation to affected staff at the time of exit.
Protesters assembled in the busy Corso Vittorio Emanuele retail district near the Milan Cathedral. Attending the demonstration were former Leonarda workers Smiljka Vuk and Fina Vondraček, who travelled from Croatia to deliver their account directly.
The group presented the store staff with a symbolic bill outlining the specific sums each worker is reportedly owed.
Mario Iveković, president of the Croatian union Novi Sindikat representing the Leonarda workers, commented: “These workers cannot wait any longer – Benetton should ensure the workers who contributed to its profits receive their full severance as soon as possible. We have repeatedly contacted Benetton about this matter, but have not received any response.”
The CCC also drew attention to Benetton Group’s reported 2024 revenue, which it said totaled €917m. The group argues that the €50,000 in remaining severance arrears represents a small fraction of company earnings.
Deborah Lucchetti from FAIR Italy stated: “Benetton say their brand stands for colour, unity and social values, but we see that the reality has been job losses, unpaid severance and silence. With €917m of revenue in 2024, Benetton can easily make sure this small group of workers gets paid the amount they are owed in compensation. Why not pay this amount — so small for Benetton Group, yet so essential for the workers?”
The Clean Clothes Campaign has stated its plan to mobilise international support for an online petition aimed at Benetton executives, calling for immediate payment of outstanding severance to the Croatian workers and for future guarantees of compensation in such cases.
Benetton Group had not responded to Just Style‘s request for comment at the time of writing.
