"Global unions and brands agree to 3-month extension of Bangladesh Accord", 31 May 2021

On 30 May 2021, UNI Global Union, IndustriALL Global Union and international fashion brands have released the following joint statement on the future of the Bangladesh Accord, which was due to expire on 31 May 2021. 

Global unions and international fashion brands agree to 3-month extension of the commitments of the 2018 Transition Accord to allow negotiations to continue

Ahead of the expiration of the 2018 Bangladesh Transition Accord next week, UNI Global Union, IndustriALL Global Union, and a negotiating committee representing leading fashion brands are pleased to announce that they have reached a tentative agreement to extend the current commitments of the 2018 Accord for three months as negotiations continue. This interim agreement must still be signed by the individual brands.

Christy Hoffman, UNI General Secretary, added: 

"We welcome this extension, which will allow us more time to negotiate a successor agreement to the Accord. We must put the mechanisms in place to ensure the success and credibility of the RSC as well as a safe workplace for millions of workers."

A decision by the Bangladesh High Court led to the day-to day Accord operations being handed over last year to the Ready-Made Garment Sustainability Council (RSC) - a tripartite body made up of brands, factory owners as well as global and national unions.