Gap's response to Bangladesh minimum wage outreach
Gap Inc. has been closely following the minimum wage process in Bangladesh. In 2023, we engaged proactively with other brands calling on the government of Bangladesh to consult with labor stakeholders in the wage setting process, and to prevent retaliation against workers and union representatives, in order to promote open dialogue (see October 11, 2023 letter). This letter followed outreach by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) on behalf of its members regarding the protection of worker rights in Bangladesh (see July 27, 2023 letter)...
In March 2024, AAFA sent letters on behalf of their member brands to both the government of Bangladesh and BGMEA calling for the release and the dropping of charges against individuals involved in the minimum wage protests (March 18, 2024 letters to Government of Bangladesh and BGMEA)...
We conduct routine assessments to monitor factory compliance with our Code and national law, and to support our suppliers to remediate any issues and meet all requirements in a timely manner. Based on our current oversight, we have been able to confirm that all our vendors are paying the new minimum wage set in 2023 to their workers.
[The full response is attached]