The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation (ITGLWF) informed that the Global Union Federation representing workers in the sector has demanded an urgent independent enquiry into the tragedies that have engulfed Bangladesh's textile and clothing industry in the past ten days as well as immediate action to protect the safety of workers in the sector.
Neil Kearney, General Secretary of the Brussels-based International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation, has written to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia demanding an urgent enquiry into disasters in order to establish who was responsible – Ministers, government officials, factory owners and managers – and to bring them to justice.
Says ITGLWF General Secretary Neil Kearney in his letter: “These tragedies were totally avoidable. The industry has been repeatedly warned that such disasters were staring it in the face, but unfortunately these warnings were ignored.
“Year after year, major accidents have occurred in the industry."
"All have been quickly forgotten by the industry and government alike. Legislation exists but is generally ignored. No effort appears to be made to give even the appearance of implementation. Instead, some vain hope appears to exist that the industry will regulate itself."
“Such inaction, uninterest and negligence render these recent deaths in Chittagong and Dhaka nothing short of murder. The families of those killed and those injured must be paid exemplary damages and the best possible medical care and rehabilitation must be made available to the injured”.
Mr Kearney said that a programme to ensure structural and fire safety in the sector must also be undertaken as follows:
Concluded Mr. Kearney: “A total review of existing legislation on structural safety, fire safety, heath and safety and general labour rights and its implementation must be undertaken urgently before more lives are lost”.
The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation
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