March '25 | New Binding Argeement to Eliminate GBVH in Indonesia, Arrest of Trade Union Leader in Bangladesh, and more...
In our ongoing commitment to providing insight into the evolving landscape of labor and environmental rights within the textile and garment industry, we offer updates on the latest developments and progress, with a particular focus on developments in Bangladesh. Among other intriguing topics, this issue presents the new groundbreaking binding agreement to prevent and eliminate GBVH in Indonesia, which builds upon best practices from the Dindigul Agreement in India. Additionally, several incidents have been added to our Textile Incidents website, among them the shocking news of recent and well-documented union busting in Bangladesh, where a NGWF trade union leader was unlawfully arrested. With our website and this News Update, we aim to deepen understanding and drive progress in labor rights and sustainability.
We hope you enjoy!
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STUDIES & REPORTS
New Binding Agreement to Prevent and Eliminate GBVH in Indonesia
The groundbreaking Central Java Gender Justice Agreement marks a major step in combating gender-based violence and discrimination in the garment industry in Indonesia, covering two factories employing 6,250 people. Signed and negotiated by Indonesian unions (affiliated to SPN, SPSI and KASBI), international organisations (including Workers Rights Consortium and Asia Floor Wage Alliance), and the Korean multinational Ontide, the agreement establishes a comprehensive program to prevent and eliminate violence and harassment at work and includes best practices from the Lesotho Agreement and the Dindigul Agreement.
The program includes adoption of global labor standards on GBVH, including relevant definitions within the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment; a worker-led training for all employees at the two factories; a multichannel grievance mechanism; transparent investigations of complaints, resulting in remedies for survivors and penalties for harassers; and anti-retaliation protections and protections for freedom of association. For an overview of key provisions, read the fact sheet. Additionally, this case brief provides insights into the negotiation process and future implications.
New Report Highlights Precarity in Asia’s Garment Sector (pdf)
The Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA) has released its 2024 "Threaded Insecurity - The Spectrum of Informality" report, examining the worsening precarity of garment workers in Asia. The report reveals that wage theft, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions have intensified post-pandemic, with women workers disproportionately affected. It highlights brands’ exploitative purchasing practices as a key driver of declining labor standards, undermining fair wages and workplace protections.
GLI Policy Brief: Waiting Game: Minimum wage-setting in Bangladesh’s apparel industry (pdf)
A new policy brief by Cornell University’s Global Labor Institute (GLI) examines ongoing labor rights challenges in Bangladesh’s garment sector, focusing on wage structures, collective bargaining, and corporate accountability. The brief highlights how low wages, weak union protections, and power imbalances in supply chains continue to undermine workers' rights. It calls for stronger enforcement of labor laws, greater corporate responsibility, and binding agreements to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.
NEWS
Arrest of Trade Union Leader/ Union Busting, Bangladesh (New Textile Incident)
In the context of labour unrest due to unpaid wages and in consequence of formation of a union at Polo Composite Knit Industry Ltd., on 12th March 2025 Md. Kabir Hossain, the Joint General Secretary of NGWF, was unlawfully taken from the NGWF office and subsequently taken to the police station and subjected to inhumane treatment. There he was imprisoned for the following days. Textile-incidents.info is working closely with NGWF and the named brands to clarify this labour right violation. We have already and will continue to regularly provide updates in the follow up section of the case, referring to statements from brands and other stakeholders that reached us.
Fire in garment factory and 5 injured, Bangladesh (New Textile Incident)
Based on official information five workers of garment factory Tanzila Textile Limited were injured. The incident occurred in the Baroipara area of Ashulia. The report by the fire service stated: “The blaze originated from a burn in the stander machine on the factory’s finishing floor."
The preceding reports are just the latest in a series of ongoing incidents in the textile and garment sector, highlighting persistent labour rights violations and corporate accountability issues. Regular updates on these and other cases can be found under the Follow-Up section of each case, where several brands have already responded. If you have information on new cases, please reach out to
France Passes Landmark PFAS Ban Amidst Growing European Pressure
France has taken a historic step towards eliminating "forever chemicals" (PFAS), passing a national ban after an intense campaign led by Générations Futures, which mobilized over 140,000 citizens to contact their MPs. The law, spearheaded by MP Nicolas Thierry, reflects growing recognition of PFAS as a major public health crisis, though compromises had to be made to secure political backing. This victory marks a significant precedent in Europe, fueling active campaigns for similar bans in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. Environmental and health advocates are now pushing for stronger EU-wide regulation to prevent corporations from simply shifting production across borders.
International Women’s Day: Calling for Systemic Change in the Garment Industry
On International Women’s Day, Cividep and Trade Unions Right Centre (TURC) call for systemic change in the garment and footwear industry, highlighting the hidden costs that female workers bear—from unsafe working conditions to gender-based violence and inadequate healthcare access. A Fashion Changers interview (in German) with Nitya S Danardianingtyas from TURC underscores the systemic exploitation and discrimination of women in textile factories, emphasizing the detrimental effects of the working conditions on their health and safety.
In Bangladesh, labour advocates stress the importance of fully implementing six-month paid maternity leave, a state given right that remains largely unenforced, forcing many women out of work. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, garment workers demand better transport safety, after repeated accidents and fatalities during their daily commutes. At the same time, women workers in Pakistan continue to demand an end to gender-based wage disparities and stronger protections from workplace harassment.
Protests Against Weakening of EU Supply Chain Laws Intensify
A growing wave of protests and civil society backlash has erupted in response to attempts to delay and weaken EU corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence laws. Over 360 civil society organizations from 53 countries have urged EU lawmakers to reject these amendments, warning of a major setback for workers’ rights and environmental protections in global supply chains. Meanwhile, widespread protests and advocacy efforts—led by labor groups and human rights organizations—are demanding that the EU uphold its commitment to transparent and enforceable corporate responsibility.
NETWORK & EVENTS
21st to 27th April 2025
Fashion Revolution Week
Fashion Revolution Week 2025 is fast approaching, and it's a global movement that invites everyone to take a stand for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. This week aims to raise awareness about the environmental and human impacts of the fashion industry, focusing on transparency, fairness, and accountability. You can get involved by attending local events, organizing activities, or participating in community campaigns—visit your country’s or the official Fashion Revolution website for more details.
8th May 2025, 9am - 1pm CET, Online Workshop:
Charity Academy X Lavinia Muth: Zukunft des Altkleidermarktes - Zusammenarbeit für eine GloKale Circular Economy (in German)
The FairWertung Charity Academy is hosting a free online workshop designed for environmental and sustainability managers as well as circular economy experts in the textile sector. Led by Lavinia Muth, the session will cover key topics such as circular economy principles, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), legal frameworks, and textile recycling challenges. Registration required.
26th May 2025, 7pm - 8:30pm CET, Expert Talk:
Just Transition (in German)
This event will delve into the growing importance of the Just Transition concept, which focuses on ensuring that social, environmental, and economic fairness is embedded in the shift towards sustainability. Marie-Sophie Keller, a doctoral researcher in Business and Human Rights, will guide the discussion by addressing the challenges that the textile and apparel industry faces in transitioning to more equitable and environmentally responsible practices. Registration required.
Recording of Event: Empower the Women who Power Fashion
Last month, the Clean Clothes Campaign hosted a Women’s History Month panel highlighting the voices of women leading resistance in the garment industry. The discussion featured firsthand accounts of worker struggles, offering valuable insights into the challenges and victories of those fighting for labor rights. While their experiences vary, the panellists are united in their conviction that collective action is the best route to justice. Watch the recording to hear their inspiring stories.
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