April 29, 2013
In the wake of the horrifying factory collapse in Bangladesh that has taken the lives of more than 400 workers and injured many more, there are things that can be done to respond to this disaster and to prevent future tragedies — by governments, by retailers, apparel brands, consumers and investors.
- IndustriALL Global Union and IndustriALL Bangladesh Council is calling on the Bangladeshi government to take urgent action to guarantee freedom of association and improve building and fire safety and the minimum wage for the more than 3 million garment workers in Bangladesh. Through a campaign on Labourstart, they are demanding that the government of Bangladesh reform its labour laws to remove roadblocks to freedom of association and collective bargaining in the garment industry. Please support this action by clicking here.
- The European Clean Clothes Campaign is demanding that brands — including the Canadian brand Joe Fresh — sign to commit to signing on to a joint fire and building safety program with IndustriALL and other international brands and retailers that includes, at minimum, independent and transparent inspections, an informed and active role for workers and trade unions, health and safety training for workers and management personnel, effective health and safety committees, and the right of workers to file complaints and to refuse unsafe work. An effective program must be backed by time-bound remediation plans, effective dispute resolution procedures, and real repercussions for suppliers that refuse to improve conditions. Send these demands to Joe Fresh and others by signing the petition here.
- The International Labor Rights Forum is also calling on Walmart, H&M, and Gap to sign the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement before the next factory fire or building collapse takes the lives of more garment workers. Please join them in sending a message to three of the largest buyers of apparel from Bangladesh by clicking here.
SOURCE: Maquila Solidarity Network
http://en.maquilasolidarity.org/node/1123