Bangladesh Alliance remediated 54 more factories in December 2017

Photo: Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety

The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety announced the completion of full safety remediation in 54 more Alliance-affiliated factories. The 54 new RMG factories which completed all material components outlined in Alliance Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), brings the total number of CAP-completing factories to 301. According to a statement by Alliance, 87% of all required factory remediation has been completed across all Alliance factories.

The Alliance was set up undertaking a five-year plan in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse that killed more than 1,100 workers. The platform which collaborates North American buyers and retailers including Walmart and Gap, performs independent inspections on the structural, electrical and fire safety of all factories from which its members source. Each factory is provided with a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) designed to help it address safety issues and achieve compliance with Alliance safety standards. It also provides technical advice and access to low-cost loans to assist factories with remediation.

“Each of these factories deserves our commendation for working hard to achieve the Alliance’s strict safety standards,” said Alliance Executive Director Amb. Jim Moriarty. “Their progress sets the tone for 2018, and furthers our mission of ushering in a culture of safety in the Bangladesh garment industry.”

No factories were suspended for failing to make adequate remediation progress in December, reflecting a concerted effort by Alliance factories to take the necessary steps to provide safer working conditions for their employees. The total number of suspended factories stands at 164 according to the statement. The Alliance has so far inspected more than 700 RMG factories and currently the number of active factories under the platform is 658.

The Alliance is due to leave Bangladesh after the end of its tenure on 31 May 2018. The current status of each Alliance factory can be found on the Alliance website.