Honouring Rana Plaza victims

Dear friends,

Today is a day of mourning and action. One year ago - April 24th, 2013 - the garment industry was changed forever. No longer can brands, consumers, workers or governments turn a blind eye to the dangers faced by garment workers every day.

The deadly collapse of Rana Plaza, a building in the Savar district of Dhaka, Bangladesh, showed the world the true cost of fast and cheap fashion.

At least 1,138 people were killed and over 2,000 injured. Nearly all were garment workers forced to go back into the factory despite fears the building was unsafe.

Today, we remember all those who lost their lives.

We send our thoughts and support to their families, husbands, wives, children, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, all left mourning a loved one and still waiting for justice.
We remember the over 2,000 workers who were injured and will have the horror of that day with them, always. Many are now physically unable or too traumatized to work in a garment factory again.  

One year later, the families of victims and the survivors are still waiting for full compensation, so they do not have to live with the additional burden of financial hardship. We call on all brands that source from Rana Plaza to pay up.

After long and difficult negotiations, the Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund has been established and is now receiving claims for long-term compensation for lost income and medical expenses.
However, companies have been slow to contribute to the fund which, to date, has received only $16 million of the $40 million needed.

Watch Chief Commissioner Dr. Mojtaba Kazazi explain the claims process for the Rana Plaza Arrangement.

Memorial events and protests are taking place today in Bangladesh and in countries around the world, demanding full compensation for the survivors and families of those who died at Rana Plaza.  In Canada, store actions are being organized targeting The Children’s Place and/or Walmart in Vancouver, Sudbury, Toronto and Montreal.

The aftermath of this terrible disaster has seen many efforts to ensure it is never repeated. But as we work to make factories safe for workers, we must not forget those who have paid the ultimate price for fast and cheap fashion.

In solidarity,

MSN and Clean Clothes Campaign

» Read more

Maquila Solidarity Network: www.maquilasolidarity.org The Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) is a labour and women's rights organization that supports the efforts of workers in global supply chains to win improved wages and working conditions and a better quality of life.