May 7, 2013

In the wake of the horrifying factory collapse in Bangladesh that has taken the lives of more than 900 workers and injured many more, there are things that can be done to respond to this disaster and to prevent future tragedies -- by governments, by retailers, apparel brands, consumers and investors.

• Avaaz.org is collecting signatures on an online petition targeting Gap and H&M CEOs, demanding that they sign the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh to ensure that disasters like the one at Rana Plaza never happen again. The binding agreement, negotiated between Bangladeshi and international trade unions and major apparel brands, calls for independent inspections, public reports about supplier factory conditions, mandatory repairs, and empowers workers to identify risks and refuse unsafe work without penalty. MSN is asking all of its supporters to join with Avaaz in demanding that these two leading brands -- two of the biggest buyers of Bangladeshi clothing exports -- take responsibility for the safety of the workers that make their goods. 
• IndustriALL Global Union and IndustriALL Bangladesh Council is calling on the Bangladeshi government to take urgent action to guarantee freedom of association and improve building and fire safety and the minimum wage for the more than 3 million garment workers in Bangladesh. Through a campaign on Labourstart, they are demanding that the government of Bangladesh reform its labour laws to remove roadblocks to freedom of association and collective bargaining in the garment industry. Please support this action by clicking here.
• The European Clean Clothes Campaign is demanding that brands -- including the Canadian brand Joe Fresh -- sign to commit to signing on to the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh with IndustriALL and other international brands and retailers that includes, at minimum, independent and transparent inspections, an informed and active role for workers and trade unions, health and safety training for workers and management personnel, effective health and safety committees, and the right of workers to file complaints and to refuse unsafe work. An effective program must be backed by time-bound remediation plans, effective dispute resolution procedures, and real repercussions for suppliers that refuse to improve conditions. Send these demands to Joe Fresh and others by signing the petition here.

MSN will post additional actions you can take in the coming days.