PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS
There are both issues and challenges that require cooperation at a higher level than at individual companies . There are also many ways to learn from each another , but also make a difference together . This is why we are deeply involved in several global partnerships , in which we share information and discuss structural problems and solutions . Our commitment to social sustainability in a global value chain in the amfori BSCI and the International Accord in Bangladesh , are two of our most important commitments .
New Wave Group is a member of amfori BSCI . It is an organisation where companies from all parts of the world collaborate to improve working conditions in producing countries . All members have a common code of conduct , which means that more than 2,000 companies have adopted the code of conduct used by New Wave Group .
The code of conduct functions as a kind of policy , containing all the requirements placed on manufacturing suppliers . It is based on international frameworks , such as ILO ’ s core conventions and and The UN Declaration of Human Rights . Among other things , the code of conduct sets requirements for minimum wage , regulated working hours and zero tolerance for child labor . It also requires suppliers to take the necessary measures to protect the environment .
As a member of amfori BSCI , New Wave Group is committed to implementing and monitoring the code of conduct through independent audits of our suppliers . The audits are carried out by professional auditors accredited by SAAS ( Social Accountability Accreditation Services ).
We see that membership has many benefits . Firstly , we get a stronger and clearer message across by placing the same requirements for our suppliers , and secondly , we can minimize unnecessary costs and duplication of labor in monitoring the code of conduct . Through amfori BSCI , we are also able to conduct independent audits that other members can take advantage of , which gives us a greater influence with the supplier . More and more companies are realizing that common challenges are best tackled with common strengths .
The original Accord , or Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh , came into force in 2013 , just weeks after the disaster at Rana Plaza where a factory building collapsed . New Wave Group signed the legally binding five-year agreement to improve safety in the textile industry in Bangladesh , focusing on building strength , electrical and fire safety . The agreement included electrical and building inspections of factories , as well as training and education in fire safety .
Several important changes took place during the agreement period . However , at the end of the contract , it was a fact that much work to secure all the necessary measures remained , before the follow-up work could be handed over to the local government as well as to authorities . This is why the so-called ” transitional agreement ” took over in May 2018 , then with a clearer handover phase . New Wave Group signed the new agreement , which lasted until May 2021 .
After lengthy negotiations , the agreement was replaced in September 2021 by the so-called International Accord , to which New Wave also is a signatory . The new agreement mainly entails two major differences compared to previous agreements : first of all , it is not only about fire and construction safety but also about the general working environment , and secondly , it is an international agreement that can be passed on to other countries later . Hence the name change .
Today , more than two million workers in Bangladesh are directly affected by the Accord , which is why it is one of our most significant projects in social responsibility .
26 COTTOVER