Demonstrations were organized globally by the union federations UNI and IndustriALL seeking immediate release of arrested Bangladesh garment workers. The federations held protests in front of Bangladesh embassies and consulates around the world. They also urged to stop crackdown against unions.
In last few weeks at least 34 union leaders and garment workers have been arrested and detained over false allegations connected to demonstrations over low wages in the country.
“This crackdown is about denying workers in the Bangladeshi garment industry the right to organize unions and collectively bargain for decent wages. We call on the Bangladesh government and the BGMEA to put a halt to this harassment and respect the workers who create wealth for their country while receiving a pittance,” read a statement issued by the IndustriAll.
Also Read – Donglian Fashion inks agreement with workers union; ends strife
In the backdrop of crackdown, famous apparel brands including H&M, Inditex, C&A and Tchibo have decided to skip the upcoming Dhaka Apparel Summit to be held on February 25.
IndustriALL Global Union and UNI Global Union have been at the forefront of improving worker rights and safety in the garment industry in Bangladesh following the 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse, which killed more than 1,100 garment workers.
