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Bangladesh Accord in danger

Bangladesh Accord in danger

Statement

11 April 2019

In the aftermath of the Rana Plaza collapse, which led to the death of more than 1100 workers, trade unions and clothing brands created the ‘Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh(opens in new window) ’. The Accord is a binding contract between clothing companies, international and Bangladesh trade unions and NGOs to ensure structural improvements in the area of safety in the dangerous garment factories in Bangladesh. A pending court case poses a threat to the continuation of the Accord.

Garment brands contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropouts in Bangladesh

The court case can result in the loss of an effective inspection and improvement programme, which the Accord was the first to provide. This would have major consequences for the safety of millions of garment workers.

Together with the Clean Clothes Campaign, FNV, CNV and Arisa, SOMO has sent a letter (see below) to the Dutch signatory companies of the Bangladesh Accord. In this letter (Dutch only), the organisations strongly urge the companies to speak up in support of the Accord. For more details in English click here(opens in new window) .