Tangible progress made in RMG sector after Rana Plaza, European Commission says

The European Commission has said that an “active engagement” of the EU, Bangladesh government, and other partners concerned has resulted in “tangible progress” in the garments sector after the Rana Plaza building collapse.

“A number of labour rights are better protected in Bangladesh today than they were two years ago. The building and workplace safety have also improved,” three EU Commissioners said in a statement from Brussels.

Commissioners Cecilia Malmström, Marianne Thyssen and Neven Mimica’s joint statement marked the 3rd anniversary of the Rana Plaza tragedy on Sunday.

They also appreciated the government for showing “a clear commitment”, but said more work remained in matters of labour inspection.

The building collapse in 2013 claimed more than 1,100 lives, raising global concern.

In reaction to the collapse, the government of Bangladesh, the ILO, the EU and the US launched a joint initiative, known as the "Compact for Continuous Improvements in Labour Rights and Factory Safety in the Ready-Made Garment and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh".

Canada also joined the initiative recently.

The Compact outlines concrete commitments in respect of labour rights, in particular freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, as well as structural integrity of factory buildings, occupational safety and health, and promotion of responsible business conduct.

The European Commission has been working closely with the other Compact partners to fulfil the commitments.

In the statement, the Commissioners said the Compact opened a dialogue and supported exchanges with stakeholders, including trade unions, employers, buyers and NGOs in the EU, as well as in Bangladesh.

However, they said essential reforms – such as effective respect of trade union rights and promotion of a genuine social dialogue – are still needed to ensure a better future for Bangladeshi garment industry workers.

“The EU sees still an urgent need to swiftly investigate and prosecute all acts of anti-union discrimination, including in export zones,” read the statement.

“Trade union registration must be transparent and carried out expeditiously in accordance with objective criteria and unfair labour practices have to be effectively prevented.

“Repairs and remediation plans in all factories have notably still to be effectively and diligently implemented”.

The Commissioners said the EU would publish a third report on the implementation of the Compact, providing a detailed overview of achievements and of work that remains to be done.

The EU's commitment remains “unchanged”, the statement said, adding it will work to bring “lasting improvements” to Bangladesh's garment industry and ensure that the EU's open market helps to spur the country’s progress and prosperity.

“All need to stay engaged in order to promote decent working conditions for Bangladeshi garment workers”.

The European Commission will host a high-level conference next week to discuss the actions needed, ongoing initiatives, and whether complementary EU action would be of added value.