AAFA & FLA urge Bangladesh to act on labour rights reforms

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) have jointly urged Bangladesh’s interim government to take immediate and concrete steps to improve labour rights in the country’s garment, footwear, and travel goods sectors.

In a letter addressed to Dr Muhammad Yunus, the organisations called for the release of workers and labour leaders arrested during the Fall 2023 wage protests and the withdrawal of associated charges.

Despite prior engagements, including delegations to Bangladesh in late 2024 and early 2025, the AAFA and FLA expressed concern in the letter over the lack of progress on key issues. These include establishing an annual, transparent minimum wage review mechanism for the garment, footwear, and travel goods industries, with participation from all stakeholders, and revising the Bangladesh Labour Act to align with international standards.

Reforms sought include easing trade union registration, increasing penalties for unfair labour practices, and extending full rights to workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

The associations emphasised that resolving these matters is essential not only for the well-being of workers but also for the sustained growth of Bangladesh’s export industries. They also linked progress on labour rights to the ongoing negotiations with the US over proposed tariffs.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)