REMEMBERING RANA PLAZA
THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
FASHION REVOLUTION DAY 2014
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
But in the two years since the factory collapse, much remains to be done to fully address the underlying problems and the harm that particular collapse caused. The compensation fund is still $8.5 million short of its goal of $30 million, and it’s been 2 years. While many of the companies linked to Rana Plaza have contributed to the fund, there are still a handful of globally recognized brands that have failed to provide adequate compensation. Lee Cooper, JC Penney, Matalan, and Kik have not paid the required amount, and Walmart, Mango, and the Children’s Place have made limited contributions that are significantly lower than expectations. After more than 1 million people signed a petition demanding its support, Benetton finally agreed to contribute $1.1 million to the fund (Go consumer power!).
More than half of the Rana Plaza survivors have yet to find jobs in the two years since the collapse, as a result of ongoing physical challenges, lack of adequate jobs, and mental trauma. Thus, while progress has been made, there is still more to be done. Continued pressure from governments, civil society, garment workers, and consumers is needed to hold the fashion industry accountable and to demand transparency and ethical business practices.
FASHION REVOLUTION 2015
Want to do your part? You’ll find a detailed list of global events here. You can also see what’s happening more specifically across the U.S. today. Beyond attending an event, you may want to take a few selfies of your inside-out clothes. Or, perhaps you simply want to take a few minutes to learn more about the global fashion industry and why fast fashion is harmful to workers. |