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Statement by FIA President, Ferne Downey on Bangladesh safety agreement

Performers are regularly engaged by advertising agencies to promote sales for global retailers. As we would not accept the health and safety of our members to be jeopardized in the workplace, we cannot condone companies like GAP that tolerate double standards around the world. Workers are human beings and the fact that they live in countries with struggling economies does not take away their right to work in safe environments, earn a decent living and sustain their families.

Industrial disasters such as the one recently occurred in Bangladesh, are all the more shocking that they can often be easily prevented – saving hundreds of innocent lives.

The International Federation of Actors (FIA) proudly stands by UNI Global Union in its efforts to rally unconditional support to a global health and safety code for Bangladeshi workers employed by global retail companies. We urge all of them to grant the highest standards to the labour forces they employ, irrespective of where that is.

In solidarity,

Ferne Downey

President of FIA