Nine global organisations representing over 3,000 global fashion brands, retailers, suppliers and workers have called on international apparel buyers to refrain from cancelling work orders from Bangladesh or imposing penalties for delayed shipments.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the organisations -- who have members like fashion giants H&M, Inditex and C&A -- also urged buyers to ensure labour rights and safety in Bangladesh to prevent and mitigate the adverse impacts of recent protests.
The organisations -- The Ethical Trading Initiative, Amfori, Cascale, Ethical Trade Denmark, Ethical Trade Norway, ETI Sweden, Fair Labor Association and Mondiaal FNV -- encouraged major Western buyers to be "stable long-term partners with their suppliers in Bangladesh."
"Collaborative partnerships are the best foundation for responsible purchasing practices and for decent working conditions in supply chains worldwide," they said in the statement.
According to the statement, Bangladesh is currently experiencing a period of major transition. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been formed to restore order and has received international support following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
This resignation came after a wave of protests escalated into an anti-government movement.
The joint statement says the recent events in Bangladesh have had a substantial impact on the garments, footwear and accessories industry.
Regarding the risks to workers, the organisations said that some workers have reported unpaid or reduced wages for July and suppliers are operating their factories for additional overtime.
The organisations estimated that the Bangladeshi garment industry lost an estimated US$150 million per day during the six to seven-day factory closures that occurred before reopening on August 7, following a government-mandated holiday.
The eight-point recommendation by the organisations included ensuring internal commitment to upholding responsible purchasing practices and communicating transparently and regularly with suppliers.
munni_fe@yahoo.com