U.S. Retailers' Safety Plan for Bangladesh Announced, Falls Short

The U.S version of the plan for improving factory safety in Bangladesh was formally announced today and will be signed by 17 major North American retailers such as Wal-Mart, Macy's, Target, Sears, Nordstrom, and Gap.  The plan will be known as "Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety" which will provide low-cost financing for factory owners to improve conditions, an anonymous hotline for workers to report issues, and funding the training of workers and inspection.  But not everyone is celebrating...

The Divide Between the Two Bangladesh Safety Plans

Ever since the deadliest accident in garment industry recent history, which occurred in Bangladesh in April, large retailers around the world have forced the confront and tackle the issue of how to prevent future accidents. Two distinct plans have surfaced as the retail industry's answer to improving factory worker safety and working conditions.  Just how different are they?

H&M and Zara Endorse Safety Accord After Rana Plaza Collapse

The collapse of Rana Plaza which to date killed over 1,100 people has finally prompted action by major retailers who rely on factories in Bangladesh to produce their garments.  Many companies have agreed to endorse a safety accord, which will be binding on retailers to create, implement and finance fire safety and building improvements.  The pact is gaining momentum in the U.S. and in Europe as fast fashion giants including H&M, Zara, Benetton, and Mango have already signed on.  

Bangladesh Factory Collaspe Kills Hundreds; Owner Arrested

A.M. Ahad/Associated Press

Last Wednesday, Rana Plaza, an eight story building housing several factories collapsed in what is one of the deadliest in recent history for Bangladesh's garment industry.  At least 362 people have died from the collapse and still counting.  The building was built without a permit and the day before the collapse, an inspection team discovered large cracks within the structure.  First floor shops closed immediately but the owners of garment businesses on the higher floors still ordered workers to report for work the next day.  

Bangladesh Factory Owners Arrested After Fire

Source: KABC Photo

The factory fire at Smart Export Garment Ltd. on January 26th is the second fire of this kind in two months in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  The fire killed seven women workers and injuring many others, many of whom were only teenagers.  The fire last November at Tazreen Fashion Ltd. killed 112 workers and was one of the worst in recent memory.  Since November, Bangladesh has had 18 other non-fatal fires.  Bangladesh is also the second-largest exporter of clothing after China. 

Smart Export makes garments for Inditex SA, one of the world's largest fashion distributors and also the owner of Zara, as well as many other European brands.  The owners of Smart Export, Zahir Ahmed, chairman and Mohammed Sharif Ahmed, managing director were arrested a few days ago over failure to comply with safety regulations.  Fire officials said company did not have fire safety procedures or certification.  Furthermore, the exit gate may have been locked causing a stampede and asphyxiation.

Bangladesh Factory Fire: The Guilty Consumer

There has been a lot of news about the factory fire in Bangladesh on November 24th which occurred just as bargain-hunting Americans finished the traditional all-night (and day) after Thanksgiving shop-a-thon also known as Black Friday and spilling over the weekend.  

The fire occurred near the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka, which produced clothing for large American and European retailers such as Walmart, Sears, H&M, Marks & Spencer, and Carrefour. The fire killed 112 workers in a building that lacked emergency fire exits and other standard safety measures. Workers jumped out of window that were not barred in an attempt to escape as exit doors were also locked to prevent worker theft.  The fire was sadly very reminiscent of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 in New York.