The Alliance for Sustainable Textiles is ten years old. To mark the anniversary, a declaration to strengthen unions and NGOs in the Global South is to be adopted. But most companies are not following suit.
When the eight-story Rana Plaza building débilcollapsed not far from Bangladesh‘s capital Dhaka on April 24, 2013, 1,135 people died in the rubble. The factory complex housed several textile companies that also produced for German brands. The disaster revealed structural and social grievances among the suppliers and was a cause for concern for the then Federal Development Minister Gerd Müller (CSU) 2014 occasion to launch the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles (BNT) – a multi-stakeholder initiative in which companies, associations, unions, standards organizations and NGOs have since cooperated to improve conditions in textile supply chains.
The ten-year anniversary of the alliance is to be celebrated this Thursday at the Federal Development Ministry (BMZ) in Berlin. Motto: “Because we achieve more together – alliances for strengthening human rights and environmental protection worldwide”.
Svenja Schulze (SPD) celebrated the alliance’s successes
But the commonality is apparently not far off. According to information from the FR, only
Has the global fashion industry made significant progress in ensuring safe working conditions and fair wages for garment workers since the Rana Plaza disaster?
## A Decade After Rana Plaza: Are Promises Being Kept?
**Host:** Today, we mark the 11th anniversary of the tragic Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, a disaster that shook the world and exposed the vulnerable conditions faced by garment workers in the global supply chain. Joining me today is Alex Reed, an expert on labor rights and sustainable fashion. Alex Reed, thank you for joining us.
**Alex Reed:** It’s important to remember this tragedy and discuss what changes have been made since.
**Host:** Absolutely. The collapse killed over 1,100 workers and injured thousands more [[1](https://www.abdn.ac.uk/business/blog/the-11th-anniversary-of-the-rana-plaza-disaster-a-decade-of-modern-slavery-crisis-in-the-fashion-industry/)]. While the global community vowed to improve safety standards and working conditions,
a decade later, we’re still seeing concerns.
**Alex Reed:** You’re right. While there have been some positive advancements, like factory inspections and safety improvements, progress has been uneven. Many factories still lack adequate safety measures, Workers often face long hours, low wages, and lack of collective bargaining rights.
**Host:** We also see reports highlighting a need to strengthen unions and NGOs in developing nations to ensure worker voices are heard. What are your thoughts on this?
**Alex Reed:** It’s vital. Empowering workers through strong unions and supporting NGOs that advocate for their rights are crucial steps towards creating a sustainable and ethical fashion industry. We need to move beyond piecemeal solutions and towards systemic change that respects the dignity and well-being of garment workers.
**Host:** What concrete actions can be taken to hold companies accountable and ensure continued progress?
**Alex Reed:** Consumers can play a crucial role by demanding transparency from brands, supporting ethical clothing companies, and advocating for stronger labor legislation. Governments need to enforce existing laws and collaborate internationally to create binding regulations that protect garment workers.
**Host:** It’s a complex issue with no easy solutions, but it’s vital to keep the conversation going and continue pushing for change. Thank you for sharing your insights, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
