“This meeting was important to us in order to understand the positions of CCC and explain the support measures we have initiated after the tragic incident,” said Phil Chamberlain. “We found that we agree on many issues, but that there are others on which we disagree and where there is need for further dialogue.”
Responding to demands by CCC for C&A to join a fire safety agreement devised by labour rights groups, local trade unions as well as the global sector trade union and brands, company representatives agreed to re-examine a possible accession to the treaty. However, they also referred to the lack of willingness among other companies to agree to a respective memorandum of understanding, which would render practical implementation difficult.
“Few brands cannot effect the necessary change in regard to fire safety which is required in Bangladesh,” Mr. Chamberlain said. “To ensure safe and healthy working conditions in the future it is essential that initiatives are developed which involve multiple stakeholders, and will lead to fundamental change on the ground.”
C&A