UNI and IndustriALL urge fashion brands to continue commitments to workers in Bangladesh

UNI Global Union and IndustriALL are calling on international fashion brands to continue their long-term commitment to Bangladesh to help secure the country’s democratic and economic future. 

The global unions have written to 200 signatories of the International Accord, the unions’ factory safety programme in Bangladesh, urging the brands to maintain their engagement in the country during this time of 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 the joint letter to brands.

“The people’s actions in toppling a discredited government, as we have witnessed in Bangladesh, provides 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 Bangladesh after protests against a preferential job quota system for descendants of the 1971 war of independence. More than 500 people died in the government’s violent response to the peaceful demonstrations.

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