U.S. Representatives advocate for labor rights for Bangladeshi garment workers

A group of U.S. representatives, led by Democrats Ilhan Omar, Jim McGovern, and Jan Schakowsky, has written to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) in support of Bangladeshi garment workers’ demands for fairer wages. The lawmakers urged AAFA members to use their influence to stand with workers and demand better wages and rights for Bangladeshi working families. They emphasized that AAFA member companies, due to their significant presence in Bangladesh, are well-positioned to support workers’ petitions for livable wages and champion their labor rights.

The lawmakers expressed encouragement for the support of some U.S. brands for a wage increase and a fair wage-setting process, as outlined in a letter from American Eagle Outfitters, Gap Inc., Levi Strauss & Co., and others to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in October. However, they found the reluctance of these companies to back the unions’ call for 23,000 Bangladeshi taka ($210) disheartening and shameful. The recent wage increases in Bangladesh led to mass protests, police violence, deaths, injuries, arrests, and factory shutdowns.

Nate Herman, senior vice president of policy at AAFA, stated that the organization is pleased to see members of Congress join their efforts to seek improvements in working conditions in Bangladesh. AAFA and its members have been actively working to secure real increases to wages and reforms to the wage review process. They emphasize responsible purchasing practices to support wage increases and continue to urge the government of Bangladesh to partner with all parties for workers’ rights, welfare, and peaceful dialogue.

The lawmakers called on AAFA to go further, including pressuring the Bangladesh government to accept workers’ minimum demand of 23,000 taka per month. They urged AAFA to call on Bangladeshi authorities to stop wage protest-related arrests, release detained individuals, and ensure workers are paid despite production stoppages. The representatives emphasized the importance of supporting workers’ rights globally and urged AAFA to help stop the exploitation of Bangladeshi workers.

The representatives highlighted that the challenges faced by garment workers in Bangladesh are part of a shared global struggle for good-paying jobs, safe working conditions, and the right to organize. They emphasized the significance of supporting workers’ rights everywhere and urged AAFA to take action against the exploitation of Bangladeshi workers in alignment with democratic, inclusive values.