Repressive laws, obstacles to unionization, and brutal repression of strikes make Bangladesh one of the 10 worst countries in the world for working people. Extremely low wages keep most workers under the poverty line and, according to the latest information from International Trade Union Confederation, the situation is only getting worse.

PSAC has joined the Canadian Labour Congress and its affiliates in solidarity with garment sector workers. By working together, we’re putting pressure on retail brands and the Bangladeshi government to improve working conditions in factories and pay workers a living wage.

This is part of our ongoing work to honour and remember the victims of the Rana Plaza disaster. Since 2013, PSAC’s Social Justice Fund has been actively engaged in the defense of garment workers in Bangladesh. International pressure resulted in significant improvements to factory safety, but over the last two years, labour rights and health and safety measures have once again deteriorated.

As the holiday gift buying season approaches, we have the power to hold stores accountable and call for change.  

Canadian Tire and its subsidiary, Mark’s, purchase clothing for their popular brands — including Helly Hansen, Wind River, Denver Hayes, and Dakota — from factories in Bangladesh that pay their workers less than $1 per hour. This is a company that made $14.87 billion in revenue in 2020 alone.

Canadian Tire has the power and money to bring real change to the lives of thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers and their families. But they will not act unless they are pressured to do so.

Here is how you can help:

• Sign the petition calling on Canadian Tire CEO Greg Hicks to pay a living wage to garment workers.
• Distribute the informational flyer within your workplaces and communities.
• Post on social media using this infographic that highlights the extreme economic disparity between garment workers and Canadian Tire’s CEO.

A living wage is a basic human right. Sign the petition to help garment workers in Bangladesh.