Ten years ago, more than 1000 garment workers in Bangladesh were killed in the Rana Plaza disaster. In the months and years after 190 companies, from H&M to Zara, scrambled to sign an acclaimed safety accord designed to prevent a similar tragedy happening again.
But two Australian brands continue to put workers safety at risk by refusing to sign: The Iconic and Best&Less.
10 years later and these popular Aussie labels still haven't signed a safety agreement that is transparent, independent, legally-binding, and has proven track record of saving lives.
But the anniversary gives us a chance to change that, as global media starts to examine brands' track record since the disaster. Let's do everything we can to put the spotlight on The Iconic and Best&Less and demand they sign the Accord!
Rana Plaza was a disaster waiting to happen. The day before, structural cracks in the building were discovered. On the morning of 24 April 2013, workers begged to be sent home. Managers refused.
It took 90 seconds for the building to crumble, taking the lives of 1,138 workers, and injuring 2,600 more.
The Rana Plaza disaster led to the development of an acclaimed, legally binding safety agreement between fashion brands, factories and trade unions - the International Accord. The Accord has made over a thousand factories in Bangladesh safer and protected the lives of millions of garment workers.
If the International Accord is good enough for big name brands like H&M, Zara and Calvin Klein, why isn’t it good enough for The Iconic and Best&Less?
More information
Which Companies Have Signed the Accord?
Clean Clothes Campaign. 1 March 2023.
Clean Clothes Campaign. 1 March 2023.
Bangladesh Apparel Industry Looks Inward As 10th Anniversary Of Rana Plaza Tragedy Nears
Forbes. 1 November 2022.
Forbes. 1 November 2022.