DHAKA - Workers in Bangladesh's garment industry face increased threats, intimidation and even physical and sexual abuse, according to a report for an influential US Senate committee that urged authorities to do more to protect labor rights.
"Labour rights have declined precipitously in recent years as union organizers contend with pressure on freedoms to associate, organize, and demonstrate. Worse, workers are being abused - verbally, physically, and sexually." Many top Western fashion brands manufacture clothing in Bangladesh and the industry has been under global scrutiny since the Rana Plaza factory complex collapsed seven years ago, killing 1,134 people.