CCC calls on Benetton to do right by Croatian garment workers
Milan - 20 May 2026
Activists held a solidarity action outside a major Benetton store in Milan today, calling on the brand to pay Croatian garment workers who made their clothes. The Clean Clothes Campaign network (CCC) is standing in solidarity with 28 workers who lost their jobs after making Benetton clothing for decades, when the Italian fashion giant decided to exit Croatia in 2024. It did not ensure that their subcontractor factories were able to provide affected workers with their rightful severance compensation. As a result, over half of the severance payment is still outstanding.
Benetton Group had a €917 million revenue in 2024, yet still owes €50,000 in unpaid severance to 28 former Leonarda d.o.o. workers in Croatia — an amount the company earned in just 30 minutes.
Members of the CCC network from 21 different countries gathered in front of a Benetton shop in the crowded shopping district of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, just behind the Milan Cathedral. They were joined by two former workers of the Benetton subcontractor factory, Smiljka Vuk and Fina Vondraček. The group presented Benetton with a giant bill showing the amounts that are still owed to each of the workers of now-closed Croatian garment factory Leonarda d.d.o.
Mario Iveković, president of the trade union representing the Croatian workers, Novi Sindikat said: “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.”
Smiljka Vuk: “I worked at the Leonarda factory for 19 years. All those years we worked for minimum wage, we had to work Saturdays, and overtime hours that were not paid. In 2024 we lost our jobs overnight. I've traveled to Italy to make sure Benetton hears our voice today. We are not asking for much. We are just asking for what we are entitled to."
Deborah Lucchetti, FAIR Italy: “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 €917 million 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 CCC network members are now mobilising their international supporters to join their online petition action, calling on key people at Benetton to take action for the affected workers and to take preventive measures to avoid similar cases in the future.