Garment Workers in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, one of the most densely populated countries in the world is also the world’s second largest clothing exporter. The 4,600 garment factories housed in Bangladesh hold the responsibility of outsourcing apparel to large retailers all over the world, such as to Europe, the United States and Canada. Although Bangladesh’s economy is highly dependent on the success of the garment industry as it accounts for 80% of its total export earnings, there are underlying concerns within the industry that have been neglected and suppressed.

The 4.1 million garment workers, which make up a significant percentage of the Bangladeshi population, are exposed to unfair labor practices and poor working conditions within the industrial factory systems. The workers are often mandated to work long hours under punishing conditions for very low wages and prioritize their work over their own health and safety. The Human Rights Watch has also documented numerous accounts of sexual harassment by factory managers and supervisors, which not only fosters an unsafe working environment but also has deterimentally impacted the health of the workers in the long term. Additionally, as unemployment skyrocketed within the garment industry due to the decrease in orders and consumer spending activity from the COVID pandemic, millions of workers that were previously dependent on their low wages to cover all of their basic living costs now suffer with extreme poverty and homelessness. As COVID exacerbates the conditions and ability to find equitable employment opportunities for the workers, the call for reform becomes more crucial.

Attention for reform was brought into the spotlight after the collapse of the Rana Plaza in 2013, killing at least 1,132 workers and injuring many more. The collapse exposed numerous concerns of safety and unfair labor practices within the factory system that have been frequently overlooked by most institutions. One of the first initiatives that was spearheaded after the collapse was the The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh and The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, signed in May 2013. These two laws consist of a five-year, legally binding agreement between global brands, retailers and trade unions to build a safe and healthy Bangladeshi RMG Industry through inspections and strict codes. Another innovative initiative that was recently developed is Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB). This technology based solution aims to target the transparency of the industry by providing a ready-made garment (RMG) tracing method that is continuously updated with new information regarding the different factories and manufacturers that exist and are in current use. The comprehensive database they have compiled about RMG export-oriented factories is displayed on a digital map similar to Google Maps, with the purpose to inform the public of these factories, their location and if they’ve met the safety standards. By improving the information transparency within the garment industry, the reform initiatives focus on providing greater visibility of the workers and their specific working conditions.

Although the reform has been primarily centered around policy and government intervention, what are some actionable steps we can take to help?

1. Increase self awareness by knowing where the clothes you purchase come from

2. Supporting sustainable fashion brands and ethical clothing

3. Emailing brands to #PayUp - petition calling on brands to pay suppliers for all orders that were paused or cancelled because of the pandemic

To read more about the PayUp Movement https://payupfashion.com/