Bangladesh Garment Factory Workers Demand Higher Wages
The country of Bangladesh is the second largest apparel exporter after China. However, the $20 billion industry has been shaken up this past week due to worker protests in the streets of the nation’s capital, Dhaka.
At least 50 people including police have been injured as police have fired rubber bullets and tear gas while protestors responded by throwing bricks. More than 100 factories have been forced to shut down.
This event is the outcome of a series of deadly accidents in the factories in just one year, such as the collapse of a building housing several factories that killed over 1,000 people in April. It would seem the people have had enough.
Unfair Conditions:
Wage: $38 a month, not enough to meet even basic needs, thus the protests
Very hazardous working conditions
Bangladesh has promised to begin routine safety checks on factories, still has yet to be done
Response:
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association to raise wages by just 20%, bringing the monthly wage from $38 to $45.60.
Bangladesh has been pressured by outside importers and the U.S. to improve working conditions and wages.
Well-known Western brands such as Gap, H&M, and Walmart have pressured Bangledesh to improve wages and working conditions after the deadly factory accidents in Bangledeh made world news.
In June the U.S. stopped giving Bangladesh duty-free access to its markets, saying the country hadn't done enough to