The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh has cut business relations with seven more garment suppliers on charge of failure to implement workplace safety measures as Accord signatory companies. The Accord, in a statement said, it has severed business ties with RMG units, namely Anam Garments Ltd, Ashulia Apparels Ltd, Haesong Group, M. S.Attires Ltd, Riverside Apparels, Rock Knitwears Ltd, and Tuba Garments Ltd. These factories were inspected for fire, electrical and structural safety by the Accord, the platform of EU brands and retailers, in 2014, but they failed to make adequate progress in this connection. The examples of a failure to participate include – refusal to temporarily evacuate the factory; lack of progress in finalising corrective action plans or executing required safety renovations, refusal to resolve worker complaints on safety issues; lack of cooperation with Accord trainers, case handlers and engineers. The moves come as the Accord continues to conduct independent engineering inspections for fire, electrical and building structural safety at all factories in Bangladesh producing for its member companies. The factories will not be allowed to produce for Accord signatory companies until they meet the conditions for requalification. In 2016, Accord terminated business with a total of 45 readymade garment suppliers, according to the Accord data. Accord Bangladesh is a platform of brands, retailers and trade unions which was formed after the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy to build a safe and healthy garment industry. Accord confirmed last month that its members were in discussions over whether the group will extend its stay in the country after the 2018 deadline in order to complete its remediation work. Under the Accord (article 21), “each signatory company shall require that its suppliers in Bangladesh participate fully in the inspection, remediation, health and safety and, where applicable, training activities. If a supplier fails to do so, the signatory will promptly implement a notice and warning process leading to termination of the business relationship if these efforts do not succeed.”
