Remembering Rana Plaza: A Wake-up Call to Action for Safer Workplaces in the Textile, Clothing, and Footwear Industries

24.4.24

April 24 marks a tragic day in the history of the global textile, clothing, and footwear industries. It is the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster, one of the deadliest industrial accidents ever, which claimed the lives of over 1,134 workers and injured many more in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2013.

This tragic event brought to light the hazardous working conditions and lack of safety protocols that are all too common in the manufacturing sectors around the world.

Today, the CFMEU Manufacturing Division stand in solidarity with workers globally as we remember those who lost their lives and recommit ourselves to the fight for safe working conditions. As unions dedicated to protecting and enhancing the rights of workers in Australia, we use this day to underscore the importance of our ongoing efforts to ensure health and safety in workplaces, especially in sectors as vulnerable as textile, clothing, and footwear manufacturing.

Since Rana Plaza, there have been significant improvements in some areas of global manufacturing practices, largely due to increased international awareness and activism. Initiatives such as the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh have been pivotal. However, challenges remain as many factories around the world continue to operate under conditions that put workers' lives at risk.

The CFMEU Manufacturing Division and the TCF sector have been tirelessly working to set high standards for working conditions. We advocate for:

  • Laws that required transparent and accountable supply chains from top to bottom
  • The right for workers to join Unions and organise
  •  Stricter Safety Regulations: Ensuring that work environments comply with the highest safety standards and that these regulations are enforced rigorously.
  • Living  Wages and Benefits: Fighting for fair compensation and benefits that reflect the skill and dedication of our workers.
  • Education and Training: Providing workers with the necessary training and resources to safely perform their duties.
  • Support Systems: Establishing support systems for workers to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

Our union have been at the forefront of negotiating better terms for workers through collective bargaining agreements that improve wages,  safety, workers entitlements and Union rights in the workplace

Furthermore, the CFMEU Manufacturing Division and the TCF sector actively participate in awareness campaigns and workshops aimed at educating both workers and employers about the importance of safety in the workplace. We believe that knowledge and preparedness are key to preventing another tragedy like Rana Plaza. Should this be at the top as it seem we talk about rana plaza then our unions activities and then come back to this

As we commemorate this day, we call on businesses, governments, and consumers worldwide to reflect on the conditions under which goods are produced. The textile, clothing, and footwear industries need systemic change to ensure workers are paid a living wages and work in safe workplaces .

This change is only possible when

  • unions have the right to enter workplaces and workers have the right to join unions and take collective action
  • laws are changed to protect vulnerable workers and hold brands and Manufacturers accountable
  • Supply chains are transparent

Today, as we remember those who lost their lives in the Rana Plaza disaster, we continue to fight for the rights of all workers including garment workers

 The CFMEU Manufacturing Division and the TCF sector are dedicated to this cause, ensuring that the horrors of Rana Plaza never repeat.