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With the Bangladesh Accord, building safety in textile factories was to be improved after the factory collapse of Rana Plaza, which killed 1138 people on 24 April 2013. Since then, the safety of workers has improved noticeably. This year, the Accord will be renewed for another three years, but many companies refuse to join the agreement. But why actually? The Swiss CCC asked her, and here are the most popular answers for you.

India is currently the world's most affected country by the coronavirus. The high number of cases and deaths and the resulting lockdowns have a serious impact on textile workers. According to FEMNET's partner organizations, these are under a high psychological burden. In addition, they are exposed to an increased risk of infection due to their work and housing situation. The restrictions also lead to the accumulation of child labour.

A report by our co-worker, Ohnmar Khin.

Two years ago, the military in Myanmar violently couped itself to power. After just a few days, there were countless arrests and deaths during demonstrations against the regime. At the forefront are textile workers who work in factories of international companies and continue to take to the streets today despite the great danger. At the same time, all Burmese in the country lack the most essential: The cost of living has exploded due to inflation and there is no longer sufficient medical care in the country. Many do not have the financial means to flee and those who manage to do so face new challenges and have to fear far away for their future and that of their families.

Demonstration of the NGWF on 10.02.2017. Photo: © NGWFOn Friday, February 10, 2017, the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) and other unions once again demonstrated for improving the tense situation of trade unionists in Bangladesh. Several hundred seamstresses took part in the demonstration in Dhaka.

Your demands are:

the release of 25 wrongly imprisoned union members and activists.
to drop the illegitimate lawsuits against 11 workers and activists.
All unlawfully dismissed 2,600 workers from 65 factories (including 215 NGWF members in 24 factories) must be reinstated
The police-closed branches of all trade union federations in Ashulia (NGWF was present here in 12 of 19 factories, 6 of which were illegally closed) and other affected districts of Dhaka, must be reopened so that they can resume their work.
the immediate termination of all willful attempts to dissolve 19 factory unions (including 12 from NGWF).
to compensate the workers of 84 factories whose wages have been unlawfully withheld.
the average wage in all clothing factories must be increased by five percent per year since the last wage increase three years ago, previous arrears must be paid.
the wages should be adjusted in the perspective of the cost of living of the workers in order to enable them to live a decent life through a decent wage (‘Living Wage’).
an end to the harassment of six trade union leaders, including through the inspection and control of bank accounts of the trade unionists.

Demonstration of the NGWF on 10.02.2017. Photo: © NGWFWorkers in Bangladesh have been protesting peacefully for raising the minimum wage since December 2016 and have been harassed massively. FEMNET e.V. supports the demands of the trade unions as well as the petition of the International Labour Rights Forum (ILRF), which calls on companies such as H&M, C&A or GAP to stand up for illegally arrested workers.

Sign the petition here:

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/brands-respect-basic-rights

Threats and job losses persist, health status of imprisoned trade unionist critical

After it became quieter in the meantime in the reporting of the situation in Myanmar, atrocities of the military once again shape the headlines. The textile workers in particular are suffering from the continuing uncertain situation. Trade unions are calling for economic sanctions against the country and the military, which has now also led to the repositioning of some multi-stakeholder initiatives and brands. Human rights organizations, meanwhile, are calling for the release of the sick imprisoned trade unionist Myo Aye.

The situation in Myanmar has calmed down. But the country and its people continue to suffer from the violent reprisals of the military. Speaking to the international trade union federation IndustriALL, trade union president Khaing Zar explains why internal resistance alone is not enough.

After weeks of protests with hundreds of dead, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned. Military chief Waker-Uz-Zaman announces a transitional government. Employees are concerned that they will not get their full July salary due to the government-declared rest days. European brands must now support workers in their supply chains.

Photo: © Kristof VadionBonn. Five years of successful work are coming to an end. The Government of Bangladesh opposes the continued work of ACCORD, the agreement on fire safety and building safety in Bangladesh.

The call ‘Never again Rana Plaza!’ is still echoing. Nevertheless, the current decision of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh is intended to put an end to the further work of ACCORD as of 30 November 2018. "The ACCORD is a credible and effective programme that has ensured around 1600 safe export factories. But the situation in many factories is not yet certain, as European buyers see it, says Gisela Burckhardt, CEO of FEMNET and member of the Clean Clothes Campaign.

Myanmar is currently facing a double crisis: The devastating earthquake on 28 March 2025 claimed over 2,886 lives (as of 2 April 2025) and triggered a serious humanitarian catastrophe. Buildings, hospitals and roads are destroyed, communication routes are interrupted. For many activists and trade unionists, the earthquake is adding to an already threatening situation. They are not only victims of the destruction caused by the quake, but also continue to be the target of oppression and persecution by the military junta. Just hours after the quake, the junta continued its bombings in the Karen State, an area where many resistance fighters are present.

In November 2018, FEMNET organizes a tour of Germany with two activists from Bangladesh and Myanmar. The women report on how seamstresses in the apparel industry are fighting for improved working conditions and explain how consumers can influence them.

Bangladesh's oldest and largest trade union federation for textile workers, the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF), is turning 35. The association was founded in 1984 and now has 92,440 members and 86 registered trade unions at factory level.

After a long struggle for an increase in the catastrophically low minimum wage in the Bangladeshi clothing industry, the responsible Commission has now announced the future minimum wage in September: 8,000 Taka (approximately €82) – half of what local trade unions demanded! The total amount is not only far below a credible living wage estimate, but can de facto hardly be regarded as an actual increase, but rather as a compensation for inflation over the past five years. In response to this much too low minimum wage, seamstresses in Bangladesh are now entering the labour market. Hunger strike for fairer wages, FEMNET's partner organization, the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF), announced today.

Femnet e.V.

navigation

The most popular excuses of companies not to join the Bangladesh Accord

India's Lockdowns Lead to Child Labour and Significant Mental Stress on Textile Workers

Myanmar: A fight for survival on several fronts

NGWF in Dhaka calls for the release of trade unionists

The impact of the military coup on Myanmar's clothing industry is fatal

Threats and job losses persist, health status of imprisoned trade unionist critical

Myanmar Trade Unions Call for Comprehensive Economic Sanctions

Uncertain times for textile workers after political upheaval in Bangladesh

Soon another Rana Plaza? – Government of Bangladesh against the extension of ACCORD

Call for donations: Solidarity with Myanmar: Help for committed activists and earthquake victims

Speakers Tour 2018: For strong women and fair work

For 35 years: Largest trade union in the textile industry celebrates anniversary in Bangladesh

Hunger strike against hunger wages – solidarity with Bangladeshi workers!

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