Bestseller, the parent company behind popular brands like Jack & Jones and Vero Moda, reinforces its dedication to worker safety by renewing its commitment to the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry. This groundbreaking agreement, spanning an unprecedented six-year period, signifies a significant stride in ensuring workplace safety within the textile and garment industry, particularly in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The legally binding accord aims to «promote and support the development of safer workplaces,» showcasing Bestseller’s commitment to the well-being of workers in its supply chain. Recent negotiations have resulted in a new framework agreement, underscoring the collective commitment of global brands, including Bestseller, and trade union signatories to protect and promote workers’ rights.
Felicity Tapsell, Head of Responsible Sourcing at the Danish fashion powerhouse, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts, stating, “As a member of the International Accord’s steering committee, we’re proud of the work done with our key partners at IndustriAll Global Union and UNI Global Union, in developing this new agreement. We encourage all garment and textile companies to sign this agreement and join our collective goal of a safe and sustainable textile and garment industry.”
Bestseller’s decade-long commitment as a signatory has yielded significant results, with 56,000 factory assessments conducted and 140,000 health and safety issues corrected across 2,400 factories. Over two million workers have received training on health and safety protocols, and all workers in Accord-covered factories now have access to a hotline for anonymously raising concerns.
This extended commitment not only solidifies Bestseller’s role in fostering a culture of safety and sustainability but also sets a precedent for other companies to prioritize the well-being of their workforce. Stay tuned for updates on Bestseller’s ongoing efforts towards a safer and more sustainable industry.
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