AAFA and FLA reiterate that interim Bangladesh gov. must focus on worker rights and ILO standards

In a joint letter to Dr. Mohammad Yunus — Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh — the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) applaud the interim government’s focus on reforming local labor laws to align with International Labor Organization (ILO) standards. As part of those efforts, AAFA/FLA 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 AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar and FLA president and CEO Jeff Vockrodt.