FLA and AAFA reiterate that interim Bangladesh government must focus on workers rights and ILO standards

WASHINGTON, DC, September 17, 2024 —In a joint letter to Dr. Mohammad Yunus — Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh — the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) applaud the interim government’s focus on reforming local labor laws to align with International Labor Organization (ILO) standards. As part of those efforts, FLA/AAFA urge the interim government to focus on improving worker rights for a successful Bangladesh garment, footwear, and travel goods industry now and in the years to come. 

The letter reads in part, “As you shepherd Bangladesh through this transition and into a new era, we look forward to working closely with you to ensure that both the protection of workers’ rights and growth of the industry are paramount. We fully recognize the important place that Bangladesh holds as the third largest supplier of garments as well as a fast-growing supplier of footwear and travel goods. The favorable trade partnerships and spirit of collaboration that underpin these markets has brought shared prosperity and economic growth. And we know that these partnerships can go much further – if we continue to build on our mutual respect for, and support of, worker rights.”

The letter urges the interim government to take three key steps:

1. Immediately release those who remain under arrest and drop all criminal charges, and threats of criminal charges, stemming from the Fall 2023 protests over the minimum wage;
2. Move swiftly this year to implement a transparent and regular annual minimum wage review mechanism for the garment, footwear, and travel goods industries, with all stakeholders – employers, the government, and workers (independent unions, worker groups/representatives) – at the table; and
3. Restart tripartite discussions on the Bangladesh Labor Act to bring the law into line with international labor standards. 

Access the full letter, signed by FLA president and CEO Jeff Vockrodt and AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar.

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The Fair Labor Association (FLA) promotes human rights at work. We are an international network of companies, universities, and civil society organizations collaborating to ensure that millions of people working at the world’s factories and farms are paid fairly and protected from risks to their health, safety, and well-being.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.2 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $490 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA drives progress on three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. AAFA approaches this work through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology.

FLA CONTACT:
Stacy Hope
communications@fairlabor.org

AAFA CONTACT:
Natalie LaBella
media@aafaglobal.org