Consumers want fashion clothing brands in advanced countries to disclose how the garments are being produced in countries like Bangladesh, who is producing the garments, and the circumstances in which they are produced. In fact, consumers are ready to pay more to ensure the safety of garment workers.

The garment industry employs more than 40 million people in Asia Pacific. Only some companies have knowledge of their complex supply chain. And when they don’t know their supply chains, there is a high chance workers are exposed to exploitation and sweatshop conditions.

There are workers in Bangladesh readymade garment factories who earn above the minimum wage but still low enough to make life a struggle. A lot of pressure is placed on workers. They are under big pressure to meet targets. Sometimes one person is made to do the work of two people. They may not even have the time to get a drink of water because of the workload.

Companies are being urged to do more, to be more transparent, to disclose the nature of their supply chains, and to ensure workers are protected. Three years after the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, there are still safety concerns for garment workers as the majority of factories are yet to meet safety standards.