New Democrats welcome the formation of garment workers’ union in wake of Bangladesh disaster

MONTREAL – New Democrats welcomed the recent measures adopted by the government of Bangladesh today to allow garment workers to unionize.

“The NDP supports the formation of a union so that employees can negotiate safer working conditions while improving their wages,” said NDP Labour critic Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie). “New Democrats also welcome the change in Bangladesh Labour Act which now allows union affiliations.”

More than 1,100 people were killed when the Rana Plaza building near the capital of Bangladesh collapsed. The garment industry generates more than $ 20 billion in Bangladesh and it supplies retailers from around the world including Canada. Thanks to an NDP motion, the Foreign Affairs Committee will conduct a study of corporate activities in the developing world in the wake of the factory collapse in Bangladesh.

“In the wake of Bangladesh disaster, Canadians have clearly demonstrated a desire to improve working conditions overseas,” said New Democrat Foreign Affairs critic, Paul Dewar (Ottawa-Centre). “We all have a responsibility to encourage, facilitate, and require responsible corporate practices by Canadian companies working in developing countries.”