More companies should learn from H&M’s actions in Bangladesh
That is one of the conclusions in a debate article in Swedish daily Aftonbladet today on World Day for Decent Work. The article is written by the chairmen of two of Sweden’s leading unions Anders Ferbe, IF Metall and Lars-Anders, Häggström Handelsanställdas förbund.
In the wake of this spring’s terrible factory accidents in Bangladesh and Cambodia, the focus on Western textile companies has, inevitable, increased. The unions call for increased collaboration in order to improve working conditions and encourage companies to show greater responsibility and actually live up to their code of conducts.
Here the two Swedish unions highlight H&M’s part in developing and committing to the updated Accord for Building and Fire Safety as the first company. This accord was initiated by the global unions Industry All and UNI after the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh and aims to achieve a safe and sustainable Bangladeshi garment industry. Today more than 90 companies have committed to the accord.
Still, there is a need for more companies to sign the accord and prove actual ambitions to contribute to improvement of the working conditions. It is important to realize the potential of both the workers and the unions as important resources and business partners in the efforts for a better and safer working environment. And the unions once again urge more companies to sign the Accord for Building and Fire Safety.