CSR in the Textile Sector: European Fashion Firms and the Bangladesh Safety Accord

Abstract

The textile industry has long been criticized for irresponsible and dangerous labour conditions in its global supply chain, particularly in very poor Asian countries like Bangladesh. The April 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh came to be a catalyst for reaching an agreement with international labour unions: the Bangladesh Safety Accord was created. This article analyses the Accord, the involvement of European fashion companies such as Primark, H&M and Inditex, the connection with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, and the outlook for improved industry standards in manufacturing clothing.