Clothing brands and buyers have to ensure consumers that their products were made in safe workplaces and that the workers were paid reasonably, visiting European Parliament member Jean Lambert has said.
Lambert made the call at a media briefing after leading an EU delegation to a meeting with BGMEA leaders in the capital yesterday. There, the delegation learnt about the latest status of safety standards and labour rights in the country’s RMG sector.
Lambert told reporters that the EU feels that brands that buy from manufacturers in Bangladesh have an important role to play in making sure that they were buying from reputable factories and manufacturers, and the consumers should feel confident that products were made in good condition in terms of workplace safety.
The brands and buyers also have to make sure that workers have been paid reasonable wages, she said, adding that RMG sector was very important for Bangladesh in empowering women.
Talking on the RMG sector safety issues, Lambert said Europe was following the progress in the RMG sector, which it recognises as an immensely important industry for both Bangladesh and the EU.
During the delegation’s visit to Bangladesh, it has become clear that remediation plans were in place and remediation had started in considerable number after the tragic Rana Plaza collapse and Tazreen Fashion fire, said Lambert, adding that the most dangerous factories were now closed.
The EU team has also asked the Bangladesh government about what was being done on labour rights in the export processing zones, she added.
The EU was happy to help in safety inspection and ensuring workers rights, Lambert said.
Siddiqur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said: “The EU delegation has expressed satisfaction over safety standards and workers.”
The trade body was committed to protect workers’ welfare, making it mandatory to have a participation committee and a safety committee in factories, said the BGMEA chief.
The EU delegation further met leaders from the government, International Labour Organisation, trade unions and Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, also in the day, Lambert told reporters that the European Union was a very strong supporter of necessary changes in the RMG sector. “Our desire is to play our part in making sure that fair price is paid.”
She said it is good to buy clothes at cheap price, but it is necessary to think about the consequences.
An RMG product was being sold for $4, but later slapped with a price tag of $45; so it was normal that workers would question where the $40 had gone, she said.