Gender based violence and abuses against unionist, Bangladesh - 2025

Workers at Fiat Fashion Ltd. in Bangladesh exercised their legal right to freedom of association by forming the Fiat Fashion Workers’ Union, affiliated with the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF). One reason was that serious violations of labour rights were reported. 

On 16 August 2025, a female worker, Ms. Rozina Akter, was physically assaulted and verbally abused by the Finishing Manager, Mr. Ashik. Despite repeated requests, factory management refused to address the incident with either the union or the workers. Just days later, on 20 August 2025, the factory declared an indefinite closure and dismissed 57 workers, including several elected union leaders.

On 26 August 2025, Fiat Fashion Ltd. reopened the factory. The union NGWF reported that the management allowed neither the workers nor the union representatives to return to their jobs. Some workers, who had been on medical leave, found - upon returning - that their names were posted on the factory door, indicating they had lost their jobs. Management stated to have issued show cause letters to union leaders’ permanent addresses. The workers declared that no one of them had received such a letter.

This case is demonstrating the violation of the right of freedom of association and different abuses of individual Human Rights. It reflects an ongoing pattern of Gender based violence and union discrimination. It’s also a kind of violation of international labour standards, including the right to collective bargaining.

The union sees several violations of labour law in this case:

• Union Busting: Exclusion of union leaders from returning to work despite factory reopening.

• Gender-Based Violence: Assault of a female worker by a factory manager without accountability.

• Mass Dismissals: 57 workers, including union leaders, were terminated following lawful union activity.

• Lack of Dialogue: Management has consistently refused to engage with workers’ representatives.

Workers and their union are therefore calling for:

1. Immediate reinstatement of all dismissed workers and union leaders.

2. A safe, respectful workplace environment, especially for women workers

3. Constructive dialogue and meaningful stakeholder engagement between management and the NGWF

The union asks for urgent intervention from responsible stakeholders, including brands sourcing from the factory to protect workers’ rights and ensure accountability.

Basic Information

Case ID: 2025.014

Identification Number from Open Supply Hub (OS-ID): BD2020281GF2E26

Affected Country: Bangladesh

Date of occurrence: 2025-08-16

Social Sector Risks concerned:

• Freedom of association and collective bargaining (Conventions Nr. 11 & 87 & 98 & 135 & 141 & 154; Recommendations Nr. 91 & 143)
• Gender Based Violence

Supplier Details

Fiat Fashion Ltd.
878-879 Sharifpur Rd, Maleker Bari Bazar Rd, National University
Gazipur -1704
Dhaka
878-879
Bangladesh Phone
+8801755518711

Supplier Website: https://fiatfashion.net/

Production Site

Known certifications:

• STeP by OEKO-TEX®
• Partnership for Sustainable Textiles (PST)
• International Accord Foundation

Source of information about certifications:
https://opensupplyhub.org/facilities/BD2020281GF2E26

Total number of workers/employees:
800

No gender specific information available.

Workers movement

There are unions active.

Name(s) of union(s) :
Fiat Fashion Workers’ Union (affiliated with NGWF)

National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF)

Business Relations

Known Buyer/Brands:

• Lidl Stiftung Co. KG

Source of information buyers: https://opensupplyhub.org/facilities/BD2020281GF2E26

At least one of the buyers has the duty to report according to the Supply Chain Act / CSDDD.

Follow up

Sources

Name of reporting organisation: National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF)

The National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) is a registered countrywide trade union federation of garment workers in Bangladesh. Collaborating with IndustrieAll, UNIGlobal Union, ACCORD and RMGSutainability Council: https://ngwfbd.com/

Contributor: INKOTA-netzwerk