Repression of worker protests in Bangladesh shows the government’s lack of respect for essential freedoms
Thousands of workers in Bangladesh have taken the streets in protest since the recent implementation of the wage revision in the garment sector. When police in Dhaka started firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowd, one worker was killed and many others were injured.
Bangladesh Government attempts to paralyze Accord and strip its independence
The Bangladesh government is using proceedings before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh to prevent the Accord on Fire and Building Safety from operating, thereby putting workers’ safety at risk.
Hearing in KiK case before Regional Court in Germany
“My son has paid with his life for the profits of KiK. Finally, a German court is looking into the case.” For claimant Saeeda Khatoon, the first hearing in the proceedings against German clothing retailer KiK in front of the Dortmund Regional Court is an important step – regardless of its outcome. Her son died in the fire that broke out in the Ali Enterprises factory – a KiK supplier – on 11 September 2012 in Karachi (Pakistan). “For 258 people the factory became a death trap. Nobody will be able to make up for this loss. But those responsible should at least be held liable. KiK was the factory’s main customer and therefore bears some of the responsibility for the inadequate fire safety measures.”
Response to today's High Court hearing on the Bangladesh Accord
The Bangladesh High Court today conducted a hearing following the appeal filed by the Bangladesh Accord against the restraining order on its Bangladesh operations. The restraining order was due to take effect on 30 November. The High Court scheduled a new hearing on 6 December and lifted the restraining order until that date. The hearing took place amidst mounting international pressure and calls for the international community for the permanent removal of the order. Given the grave consequences expulsion of the Bangladesh Accord would bring for workers and the overall garment industry, it is imperative that this threat be permanently ended next week.
Japanese retail giant Uniqlo shows contempt towards garment workers just prior to AGM
On 14 November 2018, Uniqlo walked away from a mediation process in Jakarta without making a substantial offer to former union representatives of the Jaba Garmindo factory, which went bankrupt in 2015 as a result of Uniqlo´s predatory purchasing practices. Following the unexpected factory closure, two thousand workers, mostly women, found themselves in huge debts and without prospects of employment
Take Action!
Demand that H&M stops running away from the committment that workers will be paid a living wage by 2018.
Call attention to the importance of the Bangladesh Accord #ProtectProgress.
Who We Are
The Clean Clothes Campaign is dedicated to improving working conditions and supporting the empowerment of workers in the global garment and sportswear industries.
We educate and mobilise consumers, lobby companies and governments, and offer direct solidarity support to workers as they fight for their rights and demand better working conditions.
We work with a global network of partners, always according to our principles and with a strong belief that empowering women is key to improving lives.