RNB signs agreement for safer textile factories in Bangladesh
RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS joins the international safety initiative Bangladesh Accord, committing to the goal of a safe and sustainable Bangladeshi Ready Made Garment (RMG) industry.
- We have made a decision to participate in the Bangladesh Accord as a complement to our own work of monitoring and improving our suppliers. Some of the questions we had about the practical application have now been cleared and we can conclude that the initiative evolved, and continues to evolve in a positive way. We look forward to greater cooperation with other companies and organizations on this important issue, says Camilla Sandberg, CSR Manager RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS.
Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh (Bangladesh Accord) is an international initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of textile factories. The agreement has been developed in cooperation between international companies and global union organizations working to improve conditions of employment worldwide. In addition, the UN labour agency ILO will participate in the implementation of the agreement. Among others, independent inspectors will review electricity and building structures in the factories. In connection with the inspections, plans for improvements and repairs will be developed and monitored jointly by the participating textile buyers and factories.
RNB has worked systematically for a long time with definition of requirements and monitoring of working conditions, including work environment and fire safety at factories and suppliers. The follow-up and development work will continue in parallel with the participation in Bangladesh Accord. The ability to work under decent working conditions and in safe conditions is crucial for the textile workers' lives and for continued economic development in the country.
Through participating in the international member initiative BSCI, RNB also interacts with other companies to develop tools and methods for the control and improvement of working conditions in Bangladesh and other countries of production in for example Asia.
For further information, please contact:
Camilla Sandberg, CSR Manager, RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS AB, +46 8 410 523 43,
e-mail: camilla.sandberg@rnb.se
RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS owns, operates and develops fashion, clothing, accessories, jewelry and cosmetics stores that focus on providing excellent service and a world-class shopping experience. Sales are mainly conducted in Scandinavia through the store concepts Brothers and Polarn O. Pyret, as well as through shops in the department stores NK in Stockholm and Gothenburg. RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS has operations in 11 countries. RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS has been listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Exchange since 2001.