Four leading international retailers have signed a compensation framework to be chaired by the ILO to provide compensation for victims of the Rana Plaza disaster. The framework was also signed by the Bangladesh Ministry of Labour, Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, BGMEA, Bangladesh Institute for Labour Studies (BILS), and global trade unions and NGOs.
The Rana Plaza tragedy left 1,135 people dead and many more workers injured, causing tremendous suffering and hardship. While the families of deceased workers received some compensation from the government, many of those injured, some of whom have permanently lost the ability to work, have received little or no help so far.
Under the Rana Plaza Compensation Arrangement, a Coordination Committee established by the signatories plans to distribute funds estimated to eventually total $40m, from early next year. This is a welcome move and should help ensure delivery of much-needed funds to injured workers and families of the deceased.
It should be noted that among the 29 retailers believed to have had their clothes made in Rana Plaza, only four have agreed to contribute to this fund, because of legal caution and disputes over liability. The four brands who have agreed to contribute have set a good example by taking a pro-active approach to alleviating hardship, which others should be encouraged to follow.
We hope that this framework is built upon to ensure a comprehensive process to provide compensation and justice to the Rana Plaza victims.
