25 April, 2024IndustriALL Global Union and Uni Global Union are calling on Amazon to sign the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry.
Since its agreement following the horrifying death of over 1,100 garment workers’ lives in the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh on 24 April 2013, the International Accord has been a beacon of progress, uniting unions, brands and suppliers behind the common mission of ensuring workplace safety.
30 out of 33 of Amazon’s suppliers, textile and garment factories in Bangladesh and Pakistan, are covered by the Accord's stringent safety standards. Yet, Amazon refuses to commit to financially support the implementation of these standards, instead freeloading off the Accord's protections while other brands shoulder the responsibility for workers’ safety.
Amazon's free-riding must cease. It's time to sign the Accord now!
The Accord has made a huge difference: over 56,000 independent safety inspections have been conducted, 140,000 safety issues have been resolved, and 2 million workers have been trained in health and safety protocols. The Accord has become a lifeline for factory workers. Over 200 brands have committed, securing safer futures for millions in Bangladesh, with Pakistan now benefiting from its life-saving initiatives.
As the world's largest online retailer, Amazon’s failure to sign the Accord is inexcusable.
Amazon, your signature can save lives. Sign the Accord now.