In face of criticism from apparel makers, the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has asked its members to ignore a recent circular from the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC).
On October 20, RSC’s board of directors decided to expand its purview beyond occupational safety and health complaints to include worker discrimination, forced labour, and other issues under a comprehensive complaint mechanism.
However, many factory owners see the move as an unnecessary and harmful expansion that could complicate the industry’s operational landscape.
To ease their unrest, the BGMEA issued a circular on Sunday informing that the matter is under review.
It also said that the BGEMA and RSC are maintaining close communication to clarify the latter’s position through close dialogue.
The apex trade body for local apparel makers further said a final position on the issue would be shared after discussions in the upcoming RSC board meeting.
“Until then, we kindly request all member factories not to respond to any communications, letters or circulars from RSC on the matter,” the circular said.
“This will help ensure a consistent and coordinated approach aligned with BGMEA’s policies and guidance,” it added.
RSC, a tripartite body comprising industry representatives, brands and trade unions, currently plans to take on its heightened responsibilities from November 16.
These include issues involving unfair employment contracts.
After the Accord and the Alliance, two international workplace safety initiatives, exited Bangladesh following the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013, RSC was established to carry out structural, electrical, fire, and boiler safety inspections.
It was also tasked with supporting and monitoring remediation efforts.
Additionally, RSC conducts safety training and operates an independent occupational safety and health complaints mechanism for workers at garment units under coverage.
Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, previously told TIMES of Bangladesh that RSC has already gone beyond its original mandate by taking on boiler inspection and certification as it overlaps with the responsibilities of the government’s boiler authority.
“Now we are dealing with two authorities for the same issue,” he said.
Shovon also pointed out that instead of focusing on safety certification, for which thousands of factories have long been waiting, RSC is taking on new responsibilities that could paralyze the industry.
Furthermore, he criticised the BGMEA for being ineffective in resisting what he calls “RSC’s overreach”.
