H&M, others back new Bangladesh factory safety accord

The world’s two biggest fashion retailers, Inditex and H&M, along with several other companies have backed an accord aimed at preventing another disaster like last month’s Bangladesh factory building collapse that killed more than 1,100 people. The agreement on fire and building safety, which is being led by the International Labor Organization, trade unions and other lobby groups, has been under negotiation since the Rana Plaza building collapse on April 24. Deadly incidents at factories, including a fire in November that killed 112 people, has focused global attention on safety standards in Bangladesh’s booming garment industry, the world’s biggest exporter of clothing after China. As of Monday, Inditex, H&M, U.S. apparel maker PVH Corp, Britain’s Tesco and Primark, and COFRA Holding AG’s C&A announced their support. German retailer Tchibo also agreed to the plan, according to IndustriALL Global Union, which has been driving the negotiations to get brands to sign up for the agreement. More…

News selected by Covalence | Country: Bangladesh | Company: Inditex, H&M, PVH Corp, Tesco, Primark, COFRA Holding | Source: Reuters