WWD: Global Retailers Call for Action on Labor Issues in Bangladesh

Fashion loses its allure when associated with horrific factory conditions. “In a letter addressed to prime minister Sheikh Hasina by the steering committee of the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety global retailers called for the release of detained worker leaders after the December unrest in Ashulia, and a wage review mechanism to address the increased cost of living in Bangladesh,” reports Mayu Saini for WWD. “The Accord is a consortium of more than 200 global brands and retailers, which was started after the collapse of the eight story Rana Plaza building in April 2013, in which more than 1,100 workers lost their lives.” In the letter, the accord expressed concern about 14 workers detained or arrested for promoting workers rights and 1,500 workers terminated after the unrest. Saini explains that unions, human rights organizations and retailers urge the government to improve factory safety and meet international standards. Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of garments in the world, after China, with more than 4.5 million employed by the industry. The industry is highly competitive, and manufacturers worry about losing business to other countries that skimp on safety costs. – YaleGlobal