INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PAGES
4. Offer fair compensation to suppli-
ers (100% FOB) if production or de-
livery has to be suspended or
stopped, or offer salaries directly
to workers of suppliers;-Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA)
-Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (TMA)
-Vietnam Textile and Garment Association (VITAS)
Members of the STAR Network (Sustainable Textile of Asian Region)
5. Put no responsibility on suppliers
for delay of delivery or shipment and
claim no compensation for such
delays;BGMEA urges to disburse wages ensuring work-
ers safety
6. Put no further improper pressure on
suppliers by additional costs, rush
orders or unnecessary visits and
audits;The world is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the massive outbreak of
COVID-19. This global crisis has huge implication in the Bangladesh RMG in-
dustry which is an export-oriented sector. As most of the fashion brands have
closed their outlets, they are also cancelling and postponing their orders.
7. Make all efforts and engage with
local stakeholders for a better un-
derstanding of the local situation
and contexts;All these have created a massive problem for the factories as they need to
arrange payments for the workers and also pay for the raw material that has
been purchased. It is to be noted that the soft loan facilities declared by govern-
ment will hopefully help factories with their wages next month, but in the mean-
time the factories have been requested to pay the salaries of March on their
own. Considering the Coronavirus outbreak situation in the country BGMEA
has advised and requested its members to keep the factories closed till 14
April and pay the salary upon opening within 16th April.8. Always resort to dialogue and col-
laborative settlement to ensure mu-
tually acceptable solutions to dis-
putes;
9. Support business partners on sup-
ply chain as much as possible, and
aim at long-term strategy of busi-
ness continuity, supply chain unity
and social sustainability.
We appreciate the understanding, col-
laboration and support of our business
partners and other stakeholders, and
we are ready to work and walk with all
responsible buyers globally to get
through this crisis, towards a shared
bright future.
This joint statement is made by (in al-
phabetical order):
-Bangladesh Garment Manufactur-
ers and Exporters Association
(BGMEA)
-Bangladesh Knitwear Manufactur-
ers and Exporters Association
(BKMEA)
-China National Textile and Apparel
Council (CNTAC)
-Garment Manufacturers Associa-
tion in Cambodia (GMAC)
-Myanmar Garment Manufacturers
Association (MGMA)
-Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers
and Exporters Association (PHMA)With so many obstacles and crisis the factories are making strides to keep the
hope up and do needful to provide the salary of March 2020 within the earliest
possible time. BGMEA have provided clear instructions to its member factories
to disburse the wage of March within 16 April 2020 the latest. But the most
appreciable thing is, many of our respected member factories have started to
distribute the salary already, much earlier than requested timeline of 16 April.
What’s even more encouraging is that the factories are maintaining highest
standards of social distancing, safety and hygiene during the salary distribu-
tion.
Already around 278 BGMEA member factories have disbursed the wages to its
workers within Dhaka Zone till today and it is hoped that all the factories will be
able to clear wages of the workers within the timeline advised by BGMEA.
Garment buyers urged to fulfil purchase con-
tracts in bid to save 750,000 jobs
Garment workers in a Phnom Penh factory. Buyers who are not honouring their
orders are creating job losses. KT/Siv Channa
The Cambodia Manufacturers Association (GMAC) has reiterated an appeal to
all buyers who source their goods from its members to work with the body to
overcome the critical situation caused by the global COVID-19 outbreak, in an
open letter issued late last week.
The letter urged all buyers to fulfill their purchase contracts by taking delivery
and paying for goods already produced and currently in production as is their
obligation.
“This will save 750,000 jobs (globally) and enable factories to pay their workers
and ensure the livelihoods of millions of Cambodians,” GMAC said.
The letter also stated that the global pandemic has brought chaos to every
corner of people’s lives and businesses, with all parties in the global apparel
supply chain suffering.
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