Protesters confronted Boohoo Group plc executives over the company’s record on labor rights when the fast fashion chain attempted to discuss ethical clothing at an event in London.

Senior representatives of the British online retailer spoke at Source Fashion, a conference connecting suppliers with retail buyers. Boohoo previously faced accusations of low wages and poor conditions at its factories or in its supply chain.

At the start of a panel event, several women shouted criticism before being led out by security staff.

Cheryl Chung, Boohoo’s former global head of corporate affairs, chaired the panel.

Boohoo is No. 28 in the Europe Database, Digital Commerce 360’s rankings of the largest online retailers in the region.

Protesters criticized labor practices

“How dare Boohoo take this platform to speak about ethics and industry collaboration,” shouted one woman. “Why aren’t your garment makers on this panel?”

The protester said Boohoo’s workers in Leicester received less than the minimum wage. Samuel Cliff, Boohoo’s head of ethical trading, denied the claim.

A 2020 labor scandal centered on Boohoo when some of the company’s U.K. garment suppliers paid less than minimum wage while skimping on safety steps at factories in Leicester. Boohoo overhauled its rules following the news, cut off hundreds of suppliers and launched an independent review.

Last year, an investigation by The Times said staff at Boohoo’s Burnley facility worked in grueling conditions, walking sometimes the equivalent of a half-marathon per shift. Boohoo refuted the claims at the time.

Another protester complained about garment workers’ pay in comparison with Boohoo CEO John Lyttle, who could receive a bonus of 200% of his salary under a pay plan. Another complained that workers in Boohoo’s warehouse in Burnley cannot take frequent toilet breaks.

Chung asked for the speakers to be allowed to speak and respond to the protestors.

“Do we want to be challenged? Absolutely. Should every business be challenged? Absolutely. Do people have the right to free speech? Completely,” she said.

Fast fashion brands keep growing

Boohoo is a competitor to other fast fashion brands Temu and Shein, both based in China. Temu just launched in September and announced its presence with two Super Bowl ads showing off its trendy clothes and low prices. Meanwhile, Shein expanded its U.S. presence to offer faster shipping to American customers.

Shein Group Ltd. is No. 36 in the Asia Database, Digital Commerce 360’s rankings of the largest online retailers in Asia by web sales.

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