What risks do reopening factories pose to largely female workers?

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Reopened Factories Heighten COVID-19 Risk for Bangladesh's Garment Workforce

Hundreds of garment factories in Bangladesh have resumed operations despite a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, significantly increasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission among the industry's vast and predominantly female workforce. This move, driven by pressure from international retailers to fulfill outstanding export orders and the fear of losing business to competitors, raises serious concerns for worker health and safety, potentially echoing the devastating consequences of past industrial disasters. The decision to reopen factories prioritises economic imperatives over the well-being of over four million workers, many of whom are women.
Increased Potential for COVID-19 Outbreak

The reopening of hundreds of garment factories, including approximately 200,000 workers in Ashulia alone, presents a heightened risk of COVID-19 transmission. Labour rights leaders have expressed grave concerns that this resurgence of activity could trigger a significant outbreak of the virus within the densely populated factory environments. The potential impact of such an outbreak is considered by some to be even more severe than the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, which tragically claimed over 1,130 lives.
Economic Pressures Driving Reopening

Suppliers have indicated that international brands and retailers are pushing for the fulfillment of existing export orders, creating immense pressure on factories to resume production. This urgency stems from the fear that delays could lead to billions of dollars in orders being redirected to competing manufacturing hubs in countries such as Vietnam and China. Despite the acknowledged risks of the virus, factory representatives argue that continued closures would lead to an economic crisis, necessitating the return to work.
Worker Concerns Over Livelihoods

For many of the more than four million individuals employed in Bangladesh's garment sector, the immediate threat of job loss, wage reduction, and loss of benefits outweighs the fear of contracting COVID-19. Workers, earning as little as US$115 per month, feel compelled to return to their workplaces to secure their livelihoods. This precarious situation highlights the difficult choices faced by a workforce that is critical to the country's export earnings but often operates with minimal safety nets.

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What risks do reopening factories pose to largely female workers?

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