According to the report titled, “Dangerous Delays on Worker Safety” – jointly published by International Labour Rights Forum, Worker Rights Consortium, Clean Clothes Campaign and Maquila Solidarity Network, Alliance is downplaying the safety assessment progress of its member companies in Bangladesh.
According to the analysis of the report, worker safety issues exist in the factories which make clothes for apparel retailers like Walmart, GAP, VF Corporation, Target and Hudson’s Bay Company. The analysis was made on 175 RMG factories (suppliers of the five mentioned retailers) which are both Accord- and Alliance-approved. It was found that the factories that Alliance designates as “On Track” on its site, 41 per cent have uncorrected structural problems, 57 per cent have compromised fire exits, and 58 per cent do not have a properly functioning fire alarm system. The report further stated that 62 per cent still lack viable fire exits, 62 per cent do not have a properly functioning fire alarm system, and 47 per cent have major uncorrected structural problems.
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The Rights platform reportedly said, “These brands, despite knowing the risks for a considerable time, have failed to make sure these factories are safe. The Alliance’s approach to reporting safety progress legitimately raises the question whether the Alliance is prioritising the protection of its member brands’ reputations over the protection of workers.”
