Thursday, May 16, 2013

Retailers to Improve Working Conditions Following Bangladesh Factory Collapse


As of May 15, six major global retailers have signed an agreement to improve working conditions in the aftermath of the April 24 factory building collapse in Bangladesh that claimed the lives of more than 1,100 employees. The agreement includes improving fire and building safety and requires companies employing Bangladeshi workers to fund renovations and repairs to buildings deemed dangerous. The agreement also mandates discontinuation of business with factories that refuse to comply with safety renovations.

The retailers that have signed the agreement so far are Carrefour, Marks & Spencer, El Corte Inglés, H&M, Inditex and PHV (parent company of Tommy Hilfiger). Other major retailers, including Walmart and Gap are being urged to join the movement.