The German luxury brand Hugo Boss -also a signatory of the larger International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, has signed the Pakistan Accord which legally binds signatories to liabilities for not following their commitment.
A representative of the company retreated the commitment to respecting human rights along its entire value chain and applied this throughout the organization. The accord was signed a few days after the 10th anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster that killed 1134 garment workers.
The move to make garment buyers responsible for the humane treatment of workers and their safety was launched after this disaster. Bangladesh was the first country where brands joined hands to take this responsibility. Pakistan is the second country where this international accord has been initiated. Collectively, the International Accord’s 187 brand signatories source more than $2.6 billion worth of garments and textiles from Pakistan but many are still to sign.
Hugo Boss is the 36th company to sign Pakistan Accord, which also includes brands and retailers like Asos, American Eagle Outfitters, Bestseller, Calvin Klein parent PVH Corp., H&M Group, and Zara owner Inditex. The International Accord is striving to bring on board its 110 signatories with operations in Pakistan to sign up. This will cover 500 to 700 facilities and tens of thousands of workers.
The Pakistan Accord is similar to its Bangladeshi predecessor. For an interim term of three years, it includes inspections and remediation, an independent complaints mechanism, and worker safety training. Moreover, besides ready-made garment manufacturers, it will also oversee home textile and fabric accessory makers.
Hugo Boss Signs Pakistan Accord
