"Unrest in Bangladesh", 7 February 2019

The garment workers’ frustrations clearly highlight the need for strengthened industrial relations in the country...

However, even though we understand and fully sympathize with the garment workers’ frustrations, we cannot encourage vandalism and violence as a means to an end. We strongly encourage peaceful conflict resolution for all parties in all situations and see ourselves as an enabler to make that happen... We support increased wages for garment workers...

... a settlement (a MoU) has been signed by factory management, associated trade unions... and worker representatives. We understand garment workers have recently been dismissed from three factories that produce for H&M group amongst others, and we are closely observing the situation to ensure that the documents and agreements that have now been signed are acknowledged and approved by all parties, outlining valid information and appropriate grounds for termination of employment. This issue will remain at the top of our agenda and we stay in close contact with the suppliers, industry association, trade unions and other buyers.