Companies, trade unions agree on Accord's 2nd term
01 Jul 17 2 min read
Companies and global unions have agreed on a second Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh (Accord). The agreement will enter into effect when the current Accord expires in May 2018. The Accord is an unprecedented, legally binding agreement between companies and trade unions to make factories in Bangladesh safe and produce sustainable garments.
Advertisement
Several companies have now signed the renewed agreement with IndustriALL Global Union and UNI Global Union. Many more companies are expected to sign in the coming days.
The Accord will continue its independent safety inspections and remediation programme at existing and new factories covered under the agreement, said Accord in a press release. The Safety Committee and safety training programme will be extended to all factories. The renewed agreement includes additional commitments to ensure that workers’ rights to Freedom of Association are respected to protect their own safety.
The renewed agreement builds on the fundamental elements that have made the Accord successful include independent inspections, bi-partite governance, commitment to transparency, provisions to ensure remediation is financially feasible, Safety Committee training and a credible complaints mechanism.
"The new agreement demonstrates that international brands and global trade unions recognise the positive impact of the Accord and the need for the Accord to continue its work in Bangladesh to ensure that factories are made safe and stay safe," said Rob Wayss, executive director and acting chief safety inspector of the Accord.
The ready-made garment (RMG) factories covered under the current Accord have made significant progress with safety remediation over the past four years. In this final year of the current Accord, the focus is on completing all outstanding key safety measures such as structural retrofitting, installation of fire alarm and fire protection systems and protected fire exits, and the continued delivery of the Safety Committee training programme.
The Accord and its trade union, company, and NGO witness signatories will intensify our constructive work with factory owners, the Government of Bangladesh, BMGEA and BKMEA, the International Labour Organisation and donor governments and their relevant programmes and initiatives. (KD)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India
Popular News
|
|
China’s textile & garment exports see modest growth in Jan-Mar 2024 |
|
|
Chinese firm to set up $27.8 mn sock manufacturing plant in Bangladesh |
|
|
Bangladesh mulls VAT exemption for recycled fibre industry |
|
|
Global sports company Puma & Scuderia Ferrari launch new collection |
|
|
K3 Fashion portfolio strategically revamps team for SMB Market |
|
|
The LYCRA Company launches FashionFarmers media campaign on Earth Day |
