Unions urge fashion brands to support Bangladeshi workers amid political turmoil

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Michala Lafferty Head of Property Services | UNI Global Union

By Sky Industry News

Aug 20, 2024

UNI Global Union and IndustriALL are urging international fashion brands to maintain their long-term commitment to Bangladesh, aiming to secure the country's democratic and economic future.

The global unions have reached out to 200 signatories of the International Accord, a factory safety program in Bangladesh, requesting that these brands continue their engagement amid political volatility.

“The garment sector is the backbone of the Bangladeshi economy. Your commitment to improving health and safety for garment workers through the International Accord has allowed millions of garment workers to be lifted out of poverty, without risking their lives to do so,” said UNI Deputy General Secretary Alke Boessiger and IndustriALL General Secretary Atle Høie in a joint letter to brands.

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“The people’s actions in toppling a discredited government, as we have witnessed in Bangladesh, provide hope for a better future. In the immediate term, this has also led to great social upheaval and economic disruption, which trade unions, workers and its new leaders are working to address.

“As the country strives to restore order and build a new democracy, economic stability is essential… The garment industry has a major role to play in stabilizing the country and ensuring a regular income for workers.”

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled after protests against a preferential job quota system for descendants of the 1971 war of independence. More than 500 people died due to the government's violent response to peaceful demonstrations.

The global unions call on brands to be accommodating with their Bangladeshi suppliers as political instability may impact orders; ensure that workers are paid their regular salaries for July and August; and continue sourcing from Bangladesh during this period of extraordinary change and challenge.