Bangladesh garment workers, retailers extend workers’ safety pact

Major international retailers and trade unions extend their agreement on ensuring workplace safety at the factories.

Major global retailers have agreed on a two-year pact with garment workers and factory owners in Bangladesh, extending a pre-existing agreement that makes retailers liable if their factories do not meet labour safety standards. The statement, signed by the deal’s deputy director, Joris Oldenziel, and representatives for UNI Global Union and IndustriALL Global Union, confirms the content of a copy of the pact, Reuters news agency reported on Wednesday. “This is a legally binding agreement between companies and trade unions to make ready-made garment (RMG) and textile factories safe,” the statement said.