Global experts and labour rights activists on Monday emphasized the need for global solidarity to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of workers.
Addressing a virtual discussion, they said that the movement of workers and rights groups in Bangladesh must align with the global platform to hold the people responsible for the Rana Plaza building collapse accountable. The collapse resulted in the loss of over 1,100 lives.
During the online discussion titled 鈥楩rom Local to Global: Struggle and Solidarity鈥�, organized by Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity, academics and labour leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening global solidarity to hold the global supply chain accountable for labor rights.
Rabin Barson, a historian and quilt artist based in the United States, drew parallels to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York in 1911, which claimed the lives of 146 workers.
Barson noted that, similar to Bangladesh, many garment workers in the US at the time hailed from remote areas.
Following the Triangle fire, the US swiftly enacted 34 laws on building and fire safety due to public outcry.
However, Barson pointed out the challenges of translating the Rana Plaza tragedy into legislative action in Bangladesh, citing the vested interests of lawmakers in the garment sector.
Dina Siddiki, an associate professor at New York University, said that global solidarity was crucial to protect the rights of Ready-Made Garment workers, given the global nature of the industry.
She said that both local and global solidarity were essential for meaningful interventions regarding Rana Plaza tragedy.
Linda Aji, a warehouse associate at Amazon, highlighted the struggles of workers at the company, akin to those faced by Bangladeshi workers.
She criticised Amazon for disregarding worker rights and safety, opting outsource labour and shirking responsibility.
Linda lamented the lack of government support for workers' demands and emphasised the importance of broader global solidarity to protect workers' rights.
Jasmin Akter, a survivor of the Rana Plaza collapse, shared her ongoing physical and mental struggles and expressed disappointment at the lack of justice and adequate compensation for victims, even after 11 years.
She voiced concerns about her family's future, given the absence of a breadwinner in her family.
Bangladesh Garment Workers鈥� Solidarity president Taslima Akhter moderated the event.
The discussion underscored the urgent need for concerted global efforts to uphold labour rights and ensure justice for workers, affected by tragedies like Rana Plaza.