Rana Plaza
Rana Plaza, a factory in Bangladesh collapsed on the 24th of April 2013 killing over 1000 people and injuring more. The workers knew the factory was not safe to work in as they were evacuated just the day before due to large cracks down the walls. When the workers returned the next day they all refused to go inside but they were told if they did not they would all lose their jobs and not be paid for the month of April meaning they would have no money to feed their families. The workers entered the building at 8 a.m by 9 a.m the electricity cut out and the buildings generators switched on, straight away the workers started to feel movement in the building. The 8 story building later collapsed with all the workers still inside.
The 8 floors consisted of a bank and shopping mall on the two lower grounds and then 6 floors of workers. Two floors had been added to the building illegally, this may be part of the reason the building was so unstable. Although the building had cracks in the walls, the owners of the factory thought it was more important to risk thousands of lives than to protect the lives of their workers and make sure no one entered the building.
So many people's lives were affected by the disaster, not only did so many people lose their lives but many were left with a very poor quality of life due to what they had to sacrafice to stay alive. Many became trapped in the collapse, unable to move due to their limbs being crushed by large amount of rubble. Many ended up losing limbs in order to escape, this inolved an injection and then a hacksaw being used to set them free. These people were so desperate to live they endured the pain of their limbs being removed with little to numb the pain. One girl was found to weeks after the collapse still alive although trapped after finding a small supply of food and water.
This disaster took place three years ago but still some companies whose clothes were manufactured in the factory are yet to help pay for the costs. H&M, Zara and Primark are all examples of the companies whose clothes were being manufactured in the factory, although all these companies have contributed.
Even after a disaster such as this, nothing has changed workers around the world are still being treated poorly. They are being paid less than the living wage and children are being forced to work, the working conditions are also poor and in some situations life threatening. I think it's wrong in this day and age nothing is being done to protect the lives of these people.
I think most people would be willing to pay extra for their garments if they knew this money was going to the workers and insured they were working in a safe environment. I think companies should also be more aware of where they are manufacturing and not manufacture in place where the workers aren’t being treated fairly.
If you want to find out more about the matter visit ,BBC iplayer, The refuges who make our clothes.