Trade union leaders from the textile and garment sector in Cambodia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Tunisia recently met members of the European Parliament in Brussels and called for mandatory due diligence legislation and Europe’s support to prevent Rana Plaza-like disasters in future.
They made three key demands that rely on European action and support: mandatory due diligence legislation that includes access to legal redress; European companies offering living wages throughout their global supply chains; and more brands joining the International Accord to improve workplace safety for garment workers, according to a statement issued by the unions.
The meeting was part of a European advocacy tour calling for mandatory due diligence in the sector and the need for safe factories. The union leaders also visited the International Labour Organization (ILO) office in Geneva and attended a conference hosted by the German Ministry for economic cooperation and development in Berlin.
Accompanied by representatives from the IndustriALL Global Union and IndustriALL Europe, the team included Bangladesh Sammilita Garment Sramik Federation President Nazma Akter, Cambodian Apparel Workers’ Democratic Union President Athit Kong, Tunisian Textile, Clothing, Shoes and Leather Federation General Secretary Habib Hazami and Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar President Khaing Zar Aung.
Aung said the European Union’s ‘MADE in Myanmar’ project, while well intentioned to promote decent work, legitimises the military and provides a front for workers’ rights violations and that income from the project helps fund the military.
Nazma reiterated the need for all brands sourcing from Bangladesh to sign the International Accord.
