Brussels, 08/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - The EU is taking the initiative on a sustainability compact involving stakeholders from the ready-to-wear garments industry so as to improve work and safety conditions.
On Monday 8 July, European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht, Bangladesh's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dipu Moni and the director general of the International Labour Oraganisation (ILO), Guy Rider, launched a multipartite initiative in Geneva aiming to improve the work and safety conditions for workers in the ready-to-wear garments sector in Bangladesh and to promote social responsibility from European companies involved in the supply chain - in the wake of the collapse of the Rana Plaza complex in Savar. The collapse of this complex was the latest in a tragic series of industrial accidents in Bangladesh, and cost the lives of 1,100 people at the end of April.
The initiative, called the sustainability compact, on the respect of workers' rights, health and safety at work, and the responsible behaviour of companies, is above all political, being based on a commitment from the European Commission, the government of Bangladesh and the ILO to “a number of time-bound actions”, said De Gucht.
Firstly, there is an action to reform labour law in Bangladesh so as to strengthen workers' rights - in particular regarding freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining - and to improve health and safety at work. New rules must be put in place “as soon as possible” after the adoption of the new labour law, De Gucht stated, saying that the ILO will monitor the effective implementation of the new legislation.
The initiative also includes the improvement, by June 2014, of the structural safety of buildings housing ready-to-wear garments factories - especially against the risk of fire. The ILO will help coordinate efforts and mobilise technical resources. Nearly 70 European ready-to-wear garment labels have signed a voluntary agreement on the safety of buildings and protection against fires.
Lastly, the initiative includes the recruitment of an additional 200 inspectors by the end of 2013 to assess working conditions in the factories - including safety, health and compliance with labour law. (EH/transl.fl)