All News & Press Releases

© NGWF

Joint press release by FEMNET, SÜDWIND Institute, INKOTA network and HEJSupport

The recently set minimum wage in Bangladesh for garment workers at 12,500 taka per month (106 euros) continues to lead to protests and riots. Workers are deliberately injured, abducted, wrongfully charged, imprisoned, imprisoned or even killed. However, there has been no concrete support for the trade unions' demands for a higher minimum wage from purchasing companies so far. Until 26.11.2023 is now the last opportunity to take an effective position.

 

Read more …

© Anastasia Shuraeva - Pexels.com

Joint press release from Global Nature Fund and FEMNET

Fair Wear Works and Sporthandel Fair call on sports clubs to turn Black Friday into Fair Friday and to discount only sustainably produced fan articles. FC St. Pauli leads by example and participates in Fair Friday. The ‘Fair Wear Works’ project supports sports clubs and regional sports associations in making their textile purchases sustainable.

Read more …

© CCC

Joint press release by FEMNET and the Clean Clothes Campaign

Bonn/Berlin. The government of Bangladesh on Tuesday set the new minimum wage for the country's 4.4 million garment workers at 12,500 taka per month (106 euros). The amount is far below the 23,000 taka demanded by trade unions. According to studies, this amount is necessary for a decent life in Bangladesh. Although many fashion brands say they are committed to living wages, few support the unions' demand. For workers in the garment sector, the new minimum wage means that they will continue to struggle to survive and will be forced to work excessive overtime, take out loans, skip meals or even send their children to work instead of school.

 

Read more …

© FEMNET

Following this motto, FEMNET launched the student network fashion interACTION on 27 September 2023. During the digital opening event, interested parties were given insights into the collaborative development of the network, into the program for the coming months and all other possibilities that fashion interACTION offers.

Read more …

© FEMNET

At the beginning of the week, Robert Habeck, Federal Minister of Economics, announced that he would suspend the reporting obligation for companies. In doing so, he wants to relieve the burden on companies, which are then only to report on compliance with their due diligence obligations in accordance with European directives. Many business-oriented media and trade associations welcome this step, which Habeck says should be implemented as soon as possible. However, it is ignored that this exposes an essential pillar of the German Supply Chain Act for the observance of human rights and the protection of the environment.

Read more …

Motto of the campaign: For a supply chain law because it puts an end to profits without conscience

© Initiative Supply Chain Act

During these weeks, the details of the EU Supply Chain Act will be negotiated. At the same time, the catastrophic impact of the global climate crisis on people and the environment is unmistakable: This is mainly due to the textile industry, which is one of the largest greenhouse gas producers. The use of chemicals puts people and natural resources at risk. There is no question: Climate action cannot wait – and the EU Supply Chain Act can contribute to this.

Read more …

© FEMNET

On 13 September 2023, the Ministry of Development (BMZ) awards the Engagement Award for outstanding personal commitment in development cooperation for the fifth time. With the engagement award in the categories of young and long-standing commitment, the BMZ honours personalities who are particularly involved in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. At a ceremony at the Ministry in Berlin, Development Minister Svenja Schulze honours five award winners, including FEMNET CEO Dr. Gisela Burckhardt.

Read more …

© Shahidul Islam

After five years, the minimum wage in Bangladesh will be renegotiated. Trade unions are calling for an increase in wages to 23,000 Taka in order to secure the basic supply of workers. In recent months, trade union intimidation by factory owners has become more common. Following the murder of trade unionist Shahidul Islam, FEMNET is reaching further worrying news indicating a growing risk for workers and trade unionists.

Read more …

With the fashion interACTION network, FEMNET contributes to the cross-university, supra-regional networking of students who are committed to human rights and a social-ecological change in the textile and clothing industry. There are already many student initiatives and organizations that are committed to a sustainable change in the industry. The new platform simplifies networking, shares resources and knowledge, and strengthens motivation.

Read more …

More Articles …