“Factory tragedy shows need for international safety agreement and improved working conditions in Morocco”, 16 February 2021

The need for a binding international agreement on safety

The tragedy shows the need for concerted efforts in the industry to improve factory safety and healthy workplace conditions...

The need for brands and retailers to commit to such a binding agreement with global union federations is further underlined by this tragedy and its causes … Brands and retailers have the responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace … Brands and retailers can meet this obligation by committing to the proposed binding international agreement on safety that will provide a framework for creating safe and healthy working conditions for the workers in their supply chains.

Morocco’s working conditions

Furthermore, the incident highlights the poor working conditions in a less known garment production hub directly on the European border…

A recent study published by CCC member Setem Catalunya and Attawassoul showed that 47% of the people surveyed worked more than 55 hours a week for monthly salaries of around 250 euros, 70% did not have a labour contract, and up to 88% of those surveyed claimed they did not enjoy right to unionise. These numbers … refer to workers in official factories, under scrutiny of auditors hired by major garment companies. The situation is worse in informal factories and sweatshops…

This tragedy must be a wake-up call for brands and retailers sourcing from Morocco to take responsibility for the working conditions of the workers making their clothes…