European Parliament asks Bangladesh to ensure safety measures in garment factories

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The European Parliament (EP) has adopted a resolution on recent casualties at Tazreen Fashion fire, asking Bangladeshi authorities concerned to ensure all safety measures for preventing a recurrence of such tragedy in textile factories.

The resolution was adopted on Thursday that will be sent to the authorities concerned, including the government of Bangladesh and parliaments of the European Union (EU) member states for taking necessary actions.

The EP has taken the latest move against the backdrop of recent casualties in the Bangladesh apparel fire that killed more than 111 workers last year (2012).

Besides, in the same year at least 289 people died in Karachi and at least 25 in Lahore in factory fire incidents.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have also called on both the governments of Bangladesh and Pakistan to lift restriction on trade union and collective bargaining activities.

They also asked the governments to continue thorough investigations into the recent accidents in the RMG sector, and put in place measures to prevent a recurrence of the tragedies. 

Their suggested measures include full compliance by all manufacturers with health and safety legislation, and establishment of an effective and independent inspection system on workers and industrial buildings.

The MEPs have expressed their sorrow at the loss of life in the recent factory fires, extending its condolence to the bereaved families and to those injured.

However, they have welcomed Bangladesh’s successful efforts to reduce child labour in the garment sector, and urged Pakistan to step up its engagement against child labour.

The resolution said the important role can be played by workers and trade unions, for example through the continued development of worker-led safety committees in all factories, and the importance of access to factories for unions in order to educate workers on how they can protect their rights and safety, including their right to refuse unsafe work.

The EP has also urged all stakeholders to combat corruption in supply chain, including collusion between safety inspectors and factory owners, which is apparent in many South Asian nations. 

The EMPs have called on major international garment brands to critically investigate their supply chains, and cooperate with their sub-contractors to improve occupational health and safety standards.

Currently, the EU is the largest export destination of Bangladeshi apparel products, buying 60 per cent of the goods.

They have also called on retailers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and all other apparel stakeholders to work together to develop a voluntary labelling standard, certifying that products are manufactured in accordance with the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) core standards.

The EP has welcomed the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement between a number of trade unions, NGOs and multinational textile retailers, aimed at improving safety standards at production sites and agreeing to pay for such measures, in particular by establishing an independent inspection system and actively supporting the creation of ‘health and safety committees’ involving workers’ representations in each factory.

The EPMs have asked the Bangladeshi authorities duly to investigate the torture and murder of labour rights activist Aminul Islam.

They have welcomes the action of those European retailers which have already contributed to compensation schemes for the victims and their families and encourages others to follow their example; calls for free medical rehabilitation for the injured and care for deceased workers’ dependent family members.

 

 

BBN/SSR/SI-19Jan13-12:01 pm (BST)