Global Brands Unite to Safeguard Bangladeshi Workers: Support for Employment Injury Scheme

Last updated on January 25th, 2024 at 07:40 am

In a significant move to protect workers in Bangladesh’s booming garment industry, over 30 renowned brands and retailers, including H&M, Primark, Amazon, C&A, Puma, Decathlon, Giorgio Armani, and VF Corp, have pledged to contribute 0.019% of their respective Ready-Made Garment (RMG) export volume annually to support the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS Pilot). This program acts like an important safety backup for workers. It helps them financially and solves their problems and supports them financially. if they get hurt or something serious happens at work.

The EIS Pilot, lauded by the Ethical Trading Initiative, employs advanced data collection and learning methods to address occupational accidents, diseases, and rehabilitation needs comprehensively. The financial commitment translates to  $19,000 yearly from a brand with a $100m million RMG export volume, showcasing a shared responsibility to prioritize worker welfare.

Focused on compensating for work-related injuries, the initiative aims to assist those facing adversity, extending support to the permanently disabled and the families of deceased workers. Monthly payments and pensions provided adhere to international labor standards outlined in ILO Convention No. 121.

Working together with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows a strong commitment to support the EIS Pilot. GIZ and the ILO are helping the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), social partners, and other involved groups with technical assistance to make sure the plan works well. The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), along with businesses, NGOs, and trade unions, is also very important in making sure workplaces treat workers fairly and with respect for their rights.

Aligned with ETI’s vision, the EIS Pilot strives to promote workers’ rights, ensure decent working conditions in Bangladesh’s RMG sector, provide financial security, and offer peace of mind in the face of unforeseen tragedies. One+All, a part of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), is one of the first to join the EIS scheme. They stress how important it is for everyone to commit to taking care of workers. Ken Edgar, the director from another country, says being a part of the EIS scheme is the correct choice. It helps reassure workers if accidents happen and supports continuous work to make conditions better for workers in the RMG sector.. The call is now extended to encourage more brands in the sector to step forward and commit to the EIS scheme.