• natural
    natural
Close×

Oxfam Australia has released a statement condemning a number of Australian fashion brands for not signing onto the 2018 Bangladesh fire and safety accord.

The accord was developed in the wake of the building collapse that claimed the lives of more than 1100 workers in Bangladesh in 2013.

Companies singled out for not signing onto the new accord included Noni B, Workwear Group and Licensing Essentials after previously signing the 2013 accord.

Oxfam also named and shamed a number of companies who had not signed onto either agreement including Just Group, Best and Less, Myer, Fast Future and Country Road.

Oxfam Australia CEO Helen Szoke said there was no room for complacency on safety after the industry reported a turnover of more than $27 billion in Australia last year.

“Signing the accord is about ensuring the absolute basics in the rights of more than two million garment workers – more than 70 per cent of whom are women – in Bangladesh.

“While safety concerns persist in some Bangladesh garment factories, the accord has had a real impact.

“This is just one step in tackling the appalling treatment of workers, with a growing call for increased transparency and the payment of living wages to allow them to break the cycle of poverty.”

The statement also praised a number of brands who have signed the new accord in pre-emption of the 2013 accord expiring next month including Kmart, Big W, Cotton On, SFG, Designworks and APG and Co.

comments powered by Disqus