Senators to retailers: Agree to fire-safety standards

Washington – A group of senators has called on major retailers to sign a legally binding agreement to help prevent deadly garment factory fires and collapses, such as the recent Bangladesh tragedy.

More than 1,000 workers died in the April 24 garment facility collapse. Eight Senate Democrats sent a letter on May 16 to retailers asking them to sign the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh (.pdf file), which would require retailers’ suppliers to follow transparent processes, as well as worker safety and human rights standards. Several retailers already have signed the accord.

The senators’ letter follows a similar one (.pdf file) sent to the Obama administration by the House, which called on the White House to lead an effort in the development of a universal standard on workplace safety and worker rights.