European buyers agree to work on unified code of conduct

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FE Report The visiting delegation representing the European buyers and stakeholders in the fire and building safety accord, agreed Tuesday to work on a unified code of conduct with other stakeholders including the US alliance for the safe and sustainable garment industry in Bangladesh. "We will try to ensure unified code of conduct with North American alliance and many initiatives that may come and also with the national action plan (NAP) for a sustainable garment industry," Roy Ramesh Chandra, general secretary of IndustriALL Bangladesh Council said after a meeting with apparel sector leaders. But that needs to be ensured through discussion and co-ordinated discussion, he added. The meeting was attended by Philip Chamberlain of C&A, Aleix Gonzalez of Inditex, Christy Hoffman of UNI and Monika Kemperle of IndustriALL while Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Atiqul Islam and its former president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) first Vice President Md Hatem, President of Bangladesh Employers Federation Fazlul Hoque and President of Exporters Association of Bangladesh Abdus Salam Murshedy, among others, were present. Mr Ramesh said the meeting discussed many issues and they agreed on some points. "We will remain engaged for long term for a responsible, sustainable business," he said adding: "We will all work together to make sure that the garment industry is safe for workers and safe for working." He also said they will encourage creative and constructive trade union that will ensure mature and industrial relationship and also increase productivity. He also reiterated the commitment made in the accord to work together including the industry people, the government, brands and workers for the betterment of the industry. "The discussion was long but constructive," Mr Philip said adding that there is one common purpose of the meeting which is a sustainable garment industry here in Bangladesh for a long time. Replying to a question over the inclusion of BGMEA/BKMEA representation in the steering committee, he said, "The issue is discussed and we agreed in principle. But the important thing is how we see the agreement and how we place it." Ms Monika said, "We are here as a group for the accord and it is very important to discuss with the BGMEA, BKMEA as they discussed how to include them." It was a starting point to make the Bangladesh garment industry safe and healthy, she said adding that they discussed the issues to bring solutions for the garment industry and it can be an example for others. The BGMEA president said they have discussed the inclusion of Bangladesh representation including the government in the steering committee, unified code of conduct through the NAP and fair pricing. A crisis might arise at the time of inspection, repair or renovation, which might result in shutdown of a factory, he said, adding that it would be easy to find out a solution if there is direct participation of the Bangladesh side. "The delegation of the accord has agreed to look into the discussed issues," he added. He said the North American alliance agreed Monday to work with the accord and it also included the BGMEA in its board. The delegation arrived Monday for a three-day visit to work out the detailed framework of the safety programme that seeks to inspect garment factories within nine months. The delegation is scheduled to hold meetings with ILO, RAJUK, Fire Service and high government officials during their visit in Dhaka.