A total of 35 signatories to the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry have signed the recently announced Pakistan Accord to date, with multiple brands finalising internal details and expected to sign in the coming weeks. The Pakistan Accord is a legally binding agreement between global unions, IndustriALL and UNI Global Union, and garment brands and retailers for an initial term of three years starting in 2023.

The factory listing of these brands would cover approximately 300-400 facilities in Pakistan. The program in Pakistan will retain key features from the 2021 International Accord: independent safety inspections to address identified fire, electrical, structural and boiler hazards, monitor and support remediation, Safety Committee training and worker safety awareness program, an independent complaints mechanism, a commitment to transparency, and local capacity-building to enhance a culture of health and safety in the industry.

“We are excited that many major brands and retailers have already confirmed their commitment to working together with their suppliers in a collective effort to further enhance workplace safety in Pakistan. We are convinced the Pakistan Accord can benefit the industry and its workers and promote sustainable and long-term business relationships between brands and their Pakistani suppliers. We look forward to seeing more brands join in the coming days and weeks,” said Joris Oldenziel, Executive Director, International Accord Secretariat.