Rana Plaza Collapse

Definition

The Rana Plaza collapse refers to the tragic failure of a commercial building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on April 24, 2013, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 garment workers and injured thousands more. This disaster highlighted severe issues related to labor practices and human rights within the global garment industry, particularly concerning the safety conditions and rights of workers in developing countries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Rana Plaza was an eight-story building that housed several garment factories, a bank, and other shops before its collapse.
2. The disaster raised global awareness about labor rights and safety regulations in the textile industry, prompting international calls for reform.
3. In response to the tragedy, various initiatives such as the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh were established to improve factory safety standards.
4. The collapse highlighted the negligence of factory owners and government regulators who ignored safety warnings about the building's structural integrity.
5. It sparked widespread protests and campaigns advocating for better working conditions and fair wages for garment workers around the world.

Review Questions

• How did the Rana Plaza collapse impact global perceptions of labor practices within the garment industry?
  • The Rana Plaza collapse significantly shifted global perceptions of labor practices in the garment industry by exposing the unsafe working conditions and exploitation faced by workers. It brought to light the responsibilities of multinational corporations in ensuring ethical labor practices throughout their supply chains. The tragedy acted as a catalyst for change, prompting consumers and advocacy groups to demand greater accountability from brands regarding their sourcing practices.
• Discuss the role of corporate accountability following the Rana Plaza collapse in shaping labor laws and practices in Bangladesh.
  • Following the Rana Plaza collapse, there was an increased focus on corporate accountability as international pressure mounted for brands to ensure safe working conditions. This led to significant changes in labor laws in Bangladesh, such as improved regulations on factory safety and working conditions. Furthermore, many companies adopted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at creating a safer environment for workers and fostering ethical business practices within their supply chains.
• Evaluate how the Rana Plaza disaster has influenced consumer behavior towards fast fashion brands and ethical purchasing practices.
  • The Rana Plaza disaster has fundamentally influenced consumer behavior by raising awareness about the negative impacts of fast fashion on labor rights and safety. Many consumers have since become more conscious of their purchasing choices, opting for brands that demonstrate ethical practices and transparency in their supply chains. This shift has pressured fast fashion companies to reconsider their business models and prioritize social responsibility alongside profit, leading to a growing movement towards sustainable and ethical fashion.

Related terms

Fast Fashion: A business model in the clothing industry that emphasizes rapid production of inexpensive clothing, often at the expense of ethical labor practices.

Sweatshops: Workplaces characterized by poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours, often associated with exploitative labor practices.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A business model where companies incorporate social and environmental concerns into their operations and interactions with stakeholders.