The American garment & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labour Association (FLA) have sought reforms to worker rights for Bangladesh’s garment, footwear, and travel industries in a joint letter to the country’s interim administration.
The two organisations first commended the decision to focus on modifying local employment laws to meet International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards in a letter addressed to Mohammad Yunus, chief advisor for the interim administration of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
The letter continues by saying they look forward to working closely with the interim government to ensure that both the protection of workers’ rights and the growth of the industry are paramount as it shepherds Bangladesh through this transition and into a new era.
“We fully acknowledge Bangladesh’s significant position as the world’s third-largest supplier of clothing and as a rapidly expanding source of footwear and travel goods.”
Before describing three initiatives they strongly advise the government to do, AAFA and FLA reiterate that they believe “favourable trade partnerships” can go much farther by continuing to build on mutual respect and support for worker rights.
These include freeing those still in custody and facing criminal charges related to the 2023 minimum wage protests, resuming discussions on the Bangladesh Labour Act to bring the law in line with international labour standards, and instituting an open and transparent annual minimum wage review mechanism with all stakeholders present.
