Bangladesh a year and a half after the Rana Plaza disaster: joint liability and reforming the global garment industry

On April 24, 2013 the Rana Plaza factory building collapsed killing 1139 Bangladeshi garment workers. After Rana Plaza, Bangladesh and the international garment industry had reached a crossroad. The policies that had led to the stunning growth of the Bangladeshi garment industry had so tarnished the “Made In Bangladesh” label that they were no longer sustainable.

But just how much change has taken place since Rana Plaza? That is the focus of my talk. I pay special attention to the accord on fire and building safety in Bangladesh initiated and signed by major European retailers which makes these brands jointly responsible (along with their subcontractors) for the safety conditions in the factories that make the clothing, and “jointly liable” when safety conditions are violated.

The Faculty Lunch talk is presented by John Miller, Professor of Economics. The talk is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2014 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in President’s Dining Room. All are welcome to attend.

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