Bangladesh: Campaigners welcome new agreement on safety of garment workers at factories

Campaigners have welcomed new agreement designed to protect garment workers in Banglesh which is signed by likes of H&M and Inditex, which owns Zara and Bershka. As per a report in  Guardian, latest accord has replaced ar separate agreement which is signed by over 200 global fashion companies after Rana Plaza factory fire in 2013 which claimed lives of over 1,100 people. w, with agreement, se companies would face legal action if health and safety standards for garment workers were found to have shortcomings or if y did t handle problems in a given time period.

Since 2013, more than 38,000 inspections have been reportedly carried out leing at least 200 factories to lose ir contracts due to poor safety standards. That agreement is set to expire by end of this month and negotiations for new pact to handle issue were protracted. Meanwhile, Union leers were concerned that legally binding elements were being threatened and that progress me after 2013 would be undermined along with campaigns launched to improve safety standards in garment factories. 

New agreement mand by RSC

new agreement, as per report is mand by Rey-Me Garments Sustainability Council (RSC). It is valid until October 2023 and companies agreeing to sign it pledge to expand general health and safety for workers beyond fire and building safety. report stated that accord would ask firms to enhance human rights due diligence along supply chains and making same commitment to garment workers in at least one or nation.

Reportedly, signatories have agreed to meet in six months’ time to discuss countries in consideration, with aim of implementing changes within a time period of two years. deal has been lauded by campaigners and union leers. Ayesha Barenblat, chief executive of ethical fashion vocacy group Remake, told Business of Fashion: “This, I think, is truly a model of building back better.” Meanwhile, Valter Sanches, general secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, said: “This international accord is an important victory towards making textile and garment industry safe and sustainable.”

IM: AP