As we know, over a thousand people lost their lives in the recent Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh. However, last night’s ABC Four Corners program brought to light the shocking news that the Australian companies Rivers and the Just Group (incorporating the brands Just Jeans, Portmans, Peter Alexander, Jay Jays, Smiggle, and Dotti), are continuing to exploit their Bangladeshi workforce and refusing to sign the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement. 

Four Corners detailed how:
- Many Bangladeshi garment workers labour in dangerous conditions because the owners are not paid enough by big retailers to ensure their factories are safe.
- In spite of the Rivers and the Just Group's internal sourcing policies, many of these factories do not meet international standards.
- When the workers at one factory asked about their rights, they were beaten and told they would be killed if they did not “shut their mouths”.
- According to a survey conducted by Oxfam, almost 70% of Australians would pay more for their clothes if it meant that workers were given an acceptable wage and worked in safe factories.

I am a Melbourne-based university student who shops regularly with these outlets, and I’m shocked that companies like these can simply act as if tragedies like Rana Plaza never happened.

While I always look for a bargain, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth knowing that someone risked their life to make the clothes I am wearing. I’d be happy to pay a bit more for my clothes to ensure that these people have safe working conditions.

Rivers and the Just Group must immediately sign the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement as a minimum first step to ensuring disasters like the Rana Plaza factory collapse never happen again.

Further information:
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2013/06/25/3785918.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-24/australian-retailers-linked-to-sweatshop-abuse/4773738
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/what-price-10-dresses-and-tshirts-now-20130430-2iqwa.html