Unions urge fashion brands to support Bangladeshi workers amid political turmoil

“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.