BKMEA, rights platform to work for fair prices

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) yesterday signed an agreement with Sustainable Textile Initiative: Together for Change (STITCH) to work together for ensuring fair prices from buyers in the knitwear sector. 

The STITCH describes itself as a consortium of six organisations sharing a common vision - a global textile and garment industry that contributes to an equal and just society by respecting human rights in the world of work.

BKMEA Vice-President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan and Alexander Kohnstamm, executive director of Fair Wear Foundation, inked the agreement at The Westin Dhaka.

As per the agreement, the two platforms will work to introduce a "fair price app" which would help factories and brands make logical price negotiations with foreign buyers.

It will determine a "fair price" on being provided information such as details of cost, ingredients and quantity of production, according to the organisers.

The app was developed by Fair Wear Foundation, a part of the STITCH, which also works on transparent and ethical procurement practices among knitwear exporters and buyers.

"We will encourage our BKMEA's member factories to use the fair price app…We need to ensure the fair price from buyers as well as give fair wages to workers," said Ehsan.

The two platforms entered into another agreement to promote gender-sensitive workplaces in garment factories.

For this purpose, a complaint committee will be formed in each BKMEA member factory in four months, said Ehsan.

In accordance with a High Court directive in response to a 2008 writ petition filed to eradicate gender discrimination and sexual harassment in factories, the committee would receive complaints, investigate and give recommendations.

The STITCH will provide technical assistance to the BKMEA in enhancing, developing, and evaluating the capabilities of in-house master trainers in managing the project.