Help free Bangladeshi garment workers and union organisers
Last month 115 garment workers and trade union organisers were arrested and imprisoned during protests calling for a minimum wage they can live on.
Trade unions in Bangladesh are demanding the release of those arrested.
While the demand is for unconditional release, the expectation is that large amounts will be set for detainees to be released on bail. Money that workers' families cannot afford.
Donate now and give the gift of freedom to jailed garment workers and trade union organisers in Bangladesh!
What Happened?
Since the last wage increase 5 years ago, workers have been struggling with a rising cost of living that has pushed them further and further into poverty.
Wages for garment workers are among the lowest in Asia for the sector, and this was the only chance they had to a pay rise that they would actually be able live on.
In November, when the Bangladesh government’s Minimum Wage Board announce a rise from 8,000 (£60) to only 12,500 taka (£90) per month, rather than the 23,000-25,000 taka (£165-£180) that trade unions were calling for, workers were angry.
Protests soon erupted in cities across Bangladesh. Four workers died, three of them allegedly at the hands of the police. Workers and trade union organisers have been targeted for arrest, with at least 115 now in jail.
The Sourcing Journal reported that the manufacturers association has directed factories to “file mass criminal cases against workers, both named and unnamed, as well as to submit evidence of worker demonstrations directly to the organization”.
There have been 43 First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in police stations, putting thousands of workers at risk of arrest. According to Thulsi Narayanasamy, director of international advocacy at the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), their research revealed that “international brands including H&M, Gap, Bestseller, VF Corp., PVH Corp, Kontoor Brands and Matalan are linked to cases issued against more than 20,000 garment workers by their factory suppliers leading to widespread fear about false arrests.”
Narayanasamy called the retaliation for protesting against the new minimum wage proposal a “systematic punishment” imposed on workers by the state.
How Your Donation Can Help
No Sweat is fundraising on behalf of trade unions in Bangladesh that are supporting the arrested workers. The money raised will be sent to them to pay for their release on bail, getting them out of the already overcrowded prisons. Any remaining money will be used for legal defence funds.
Solidarity Gift Cards
We have created a series of eGift Cards that you can choose from to send to people as a seasonal gift or Christmas present. Donate to help free imprisoned garment workers and trade union organisers on behalf of friends and loved ones and we'll send you a link to send an eGift card.
If you prefer to send a physical Christmas card, we have a limited amount available. Donate £25 before the 10th December and you can receive a pack of 5 Christmas cards to post out and let people know you've donated on their behalf.
