Maya Forstater

Our brands have also pushed suppliers to make our clothes more quickly. Lead times fell by 8.14% (2011-15). This rush incentivises manufacturers to 'sweat' existing workers: forced overtime. [They could recruit more workers, but this is risky, given short-term contracts]

But... there is some good news. After Rana Plaza, some (mostly European, not US) buyers committed to the @banglaccord. Supporting rigorous building inspections, Strengthening workers' representation & voice, Committing to binding arbitration. --> major improvements in safety

.@banglaccord's goal is to ensure that all 1,600 factories of its signatory brands are safe for their 2.5+ million employees.

Having identified fire, structural & electrical safety risks, @banglaccord has terminated 96 factories for failing to implement required safety renovations. So these factories can no longer supply to any Accord signatory brand. This helps prevent another Rana Plaza.

While @banglaccord is improving safety, wages are still falling This is partly caused by procurement practices: - Racing to the bottom, then cutting loose - Sourcing from authoritarian countries, quashing the autonomous worker orgs mobilising for better pay, conditions & rights