Better Work ban for Bangladesh
BANGLADESH –The International Labour Organisation and the World Bank have prevented Bangladesh from joining their joint Better Work programme until the country develops its labour laws, union involvement and conditions for workers, according to newspaper reports.
|
Global responsibility for apparel federation
NETHERLANDS – The International Apparel Federation (IAF) will launch an action plan on global responsibility in the textile sector, in a bid to improve worker conditions and improve industry performance, according to an announcement from IAF president Harry van Dalfsen.
|
Adidas workers use SMS texts to improve conditions
HERZOGENAURACH – A supply chain communication project from Adidas, which allows garment workers to send a SMS text message if they believe their rights are being compromised, will be replicated in five additional factories this year, according to the Adidas Sustainability Progress Report 2012, released this week.
|
Uzbekistan child labour downgrade request
UZBEKISTAN – Clothing brands including Nike, H&M and Levi Strauss have signed a letter to the US Secretary of State John Kerry encouraging Uzbekistan to be downgraded in the latest Trafficking in Persons report, in a bid to urge the country to end alleged forced child labour.
|
Inditex Argentinean slave labour allegations
ARGENTINA – The world’s largest fashion retailer Inditex has said it is ‘surprised’ by slave labour accusations, after an Argentinean NGO collected evidence of alleged worker’s rights abuses, which was then handed to prosecuting authorities.
|
Walmart to fund fire safety training
BENTONVILLE – Global retailer Walmart will donate US$1.6 million to US NGO the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) to establish an environmental health and safety academy in Bangladesh, following pressure from worker rights groups, including the Clean Clothes Campaign, to take greater responsibility for the death of 122 garment workers who died in a fire at a factory which was manufacturing for the brand.
|
Interview: Global social responsibility at Bangladesh-Germany event
BANGLADESH – Global Social Responsibility conference - ‘Social responsibility through a green lens‘- organised by the Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( BGCCI), covered CSR, environmental and green economy issues including sustainble business growth, recycling management and employer regulation compliance.
|
Nike asks Peru for improved worker rights
PERU – Six leading apparel brands, including Nike, PVH - owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger - and VF Corporation, have called on the Peruvian government to repeal its labour laws which allow garment workers to be hired on consecutive short-term contracts that allegedly deny them employment benefits.
|
Cambodia garment worker wage increase
CAMBODIA – Garment workers in Cambodia will be paid a minimum wage of US$75 per month following fresh talks between trade unions and government officials.
|
Garment worker online database launch
BANGLADESH - An online database holding the personal details and employment history of textile workers in Bangladesh, which aims to identify accredited factories for employees and buyers, and help stop ‘restlessness’ in the garment industry, is to be launched by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
|
