The Apparel Workers Are in the Highest Vulnerability Due to COVID-19: A Study on the Bangladesh Apparel Industry

Abstract

The pandemic COVID-19 affects the global economy which can be been called a cause for the labor market and economic crisis. The study has been conducted to understand the impact of COVID19 on apparel workers. The relevant academic literature publication, reports, newspapers, webpages, have been used for data collection. The study has found that the apparel workers in Bangladesh Garments Industry are in the highest vulnerability situation due to the COVID-19. Due to the shortage of raw materials, the factory owners have to close down the factory. Moreover, global brands and retailers canceled production orders and deferred the payment. As a result, the apparel workers have to go back to their house without any payment. Moreover, during the lockdown, a few factories continue their production without ensuring safety. So, the study has found that the apparel workers in Bangladesh are in the most vulnerable situation. Some of them do not have a job while some of them have to continue the work in a risky environment. A few initiatives have been taken by different stakeholders which seems not effective to the workers.

Keywords: COVID-19; Apparel/RMG Industry; Apparel Workers; Occupational Health and Safety; Bangladesh

JEL Classification: J63, J71, J81, J83