Fashion Forward: Promoting a Just Transition for RMG Workers

 

Climate Change is now a worldwide concern issue for human civilization. To address the problem, COP (Conferences of the Parties) agreement focus on reducing carbon emission through shifting of non-renewable energy to renewable energy. By 2030 Bangladesh have to meet the targeted emission cuts and green transformation. In this context RMG sector is one of the major responsible partners for emitting carbon dioxide, it may lose their orders from reputed global fashion brands, such as those who have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Fashion Industry Charter on Climate Action and committed to cutting emissions in their supply chains.

 

The project aims to stands against the uncontrolled use of fossil fuel-based energies and promotes renewable and sustainable energy options to replace fossil fuel-based dirty energy options. As a development partner of Oxfam in Bangladesh, Safety and Rights Society (SRS) is implementing the Project “Fashion Forward: Promoting a Just Transition for RMG Workers” intend to ensure workers’ effective engagement in the just transition by supporting them with sufficient knowledge, skills, and approaches to play a meaningful part in the implementation of foundational clean energy commitments and justice.

 

A Just Energy Transition is operationalized through three principles- A Fast Transition, A Just Transition and A Transformational Transition.

 

A Fast Transition: Targeting climate resilience to reduce global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius to protect vulnerable habitats and wildlife from future climate extremes.

 

 

A Just Transition: The main goal of the just transition is to eliminate social and economic inequality through clean energy. This is ensured by four flowing initiatives:

• To ensure justice: Justice must be ensured to victims of globalization on the basis of religion, caste, gender, economic and social status.

For example-Workers from marginalized social groups, may lack access to social protection systems, such as health insurance or legal support, making it difficult for them to address justice.

• Procedural justice- Decisions should be made based on the meaningful consultation of all stakeholders through transparency and accountability.

For example-a renewable energy project that actively engages local residents in planning and decision-making might experience higher community support and smoother implementation, leading to better long-term sustainability and impact.

• Distributive justice-The economic and social benefits of the clean energy transition must be equitably distributed.

For example -clean energy transition becomes not only a move towards a more sustainable future but also a process that actively supports and protects those who are most affected by the change.

• Remedial Justice-If there is any social or environmental damage as a result of unjustified conversion, then compensatory measures should be taken for all the communities concerned.

For example-By implementing remedial justice measures, the affected communities receive the necessary support to address the damage caused by unjustified actions. This not only helps in healing and rebuilding but also demonstrates a commitment to fairness and accountability, thereby promoting social equity and environmental sustainability.

 

 

A Transformational Transition: The clean energy transition is concerned with reducing emissions as well as technological and economic issues and rethinking and restructuring economic and social systems to support sustainable development that tackles technological, economic, and social challenges by promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction.

 

Working Area: All Thanas and Upazilas of Dhaka and Chittagong where RMG industry clusters are located.

 

Duration of the Project: June 2024 to September 2025

 

 

Objectives: To focus the broader theme of Just Energy Transition, the project will implement two objectives-

• Strengthened capacity of WROs and TUs to effectively influence JET in the apparel sector in Bangladesh through targeted training and wider building of a positive enabling environment through public narratives and momentum around JET awareness and capacity-building.
• CSOs, WROs and TUs will jointly and collectively influence negotiations with government, RMG sector representatives, and financial institutions to begin to set inclusive targets for resource mobilization and creating 4.1 million new climate-resilient jobs under the different national plans, including the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP), the revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategic and Action Plan (BCCSAP).

 

Major Activities

Media and Public Campaigns

Conduct mass campaigns with media partners, including talk shows and documentaries, to raise awareness about JET. Organize information fairs and workshops at key international events and observance days.

Capacity Building

Capacity development sessions for WROs, TUs, and CSOs on JET. Develop a coalition of WROs, TUs, and CSOs for collective action and advocacy.

Advocacy and Lobbying

Hold influencing meetings and prepare joint position papers to advocate for the inclusion of worker perspectives in national climate policies. Promote policies for resource mobilization to create climate-resilient jobs and reduce import duties on renewable technologies.

 

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced Understanding: Increased public and policy-maker awareness on Just Energy Transition (JET) and its impact on workers.

Worker Inclusion: Workers’ voices and recommendations incorporated into national climate plans including the Revised NDC and BCCSAP.

Policy Adoption: Government adopts a JET plan for the RMG sector ensuring job security and welfare.

 

Stakeholders: The project targeted stakeholders are

• Readymade Garments (RMG) Workers
• Trade Unions (TUs)
• National Trade Union Federations (NTUFs)
• Civil Society Organization (CSOs)
• Women Rights Organization (WROs)
• Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
• International Non-Government Organizations (INGOs)
• Employers Organizations (Suppliers)
• Brand Organizations (Buyers)
• Donors and Investors
• Print, Electronic and Online Media
• Energy Regulatory Groups
• Government Authorities (GOs)

 

We can conclude that, the Just Energy Transition Project is a progressive initiative that will not only conserve the environment, but also work to ensure the welfare of people at every level of society. Successful implementation of this project will move us towards a sustainable future.