An international luxury fashion retailer has been accused of abuse by former employees at one of its Chinese stores.

Five former employees at the Gucci store in the southern city of Shenzhen issued a letter this week describing adverse working conditions at the store. They said they were forced to work overtime without being properly paid, and had to ask permission to get a drink of water.

One employee said she had to wait more than an hour to use a toilet.

She said that happened even though she had a urinary tract ailment.

Another woman said pregnant employees received no consideration.

She said she suffered a miscarriage because of having to stand up all day.

Gucci officials said Tuesday they have replaced senior managers responsible for the store. The company has also hired outside consultants to review its business practices in China.