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.

On 15. October 2025, according to recent information from the unions, the president, vice president, deputy secretary general, organizing secretary, and other union representatives were unlawfully dismissed by factory management. The union representatives were directly threatened and forced to leave their homes. Some of them may even have to return to their hometowns due to ongoing intimidation. These activities appear to be part of a systematic approach to obstruct legitimate union activities and restrict workers' rights through repression.

In January 2026, the union informs about ongoing systematic labour rights violations,  they represent systematic union busting, clear anti-union discrimination, and a blatant violation of international labour standards, including the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. The case of Fiat Fashion Ltd. reflects this broader, ongoing pattern of labour rights violations within Bangladesh’s garment industry. Although the factory reopened, management continues to undermine workers’ rights through intimidation, misinformation, and targeted exclusion of union officials. 

Urgent intervention from responsible stakeholders — including the brands sourcing from this factory e.g. Lidl, Zara-Inditex — is essential to protect workers’ rights and ensure accountability for these abuses. 

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:

• Standard100, STeP by OEKO-TEX®
• Partnership for Sustainable Textiles (PST)
• International Accord Foundation
• amfori/BSCI
• GOTS

Source of information about certifications:
https://opensupplyhub.org/facilities/BD2020281GF2E26
2. Source of information about certificates:
https://fiatfashion.net/assets/uploads/about/01295-profile-of-fiat.pdf

Total number of workers/employees:
1000 by BGMEA

Number of male workers: 600 (by BGMEA) Number of female workers: 400 (by BGMEA)

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
• Zara Deutschland GmbH

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

Known Reaction by Buyer(s):

29 September 2025:
• First response from Lidl.

16 October 2025:
• In relation to the information received and the reported threats by the union, Lidl states that the company does not tolerate such actions. The responsible department within Lidl has contacted the management of Fiat Fashion Ltd. and presented Lidl’s position and concerns regarding the threats and practices towards the factory management. The factory management was confronted with the “allegations raised.” It has rejected all accusations. Lidl have requested concrete evidence from them and are awaiting a response.

17 December 2025:
• The OEKO-TEX® Association responded and provided the following information: There is no longer an active certificate for this factory; therefore, reference to the OEKO-TEX® STeP certification is not permitted.
“The approach to investigation and remediation depends on several factors, including the scope of the company’s certification(s), the severity of the risk, and the company’s history. Investigation methods for this industry risk may include: company statements, corrective action plans, and/or an (unannounced) audit. For findings of low to medium severity, we expect a plan with preventive and corrective actions, documented evidence of implementation within a defined timeframe, and verification of implementation at the next audit. Serious findings lead to the withdrawal of the certificate.”

26 January 2026:
• Lidl replied that the review is still ongoing but did not provide detailed information. So far, no further responses from other buyers or stakeholders such as Zara-Inditex or standards organizations have been received on Textile-Incidents.info.

23 February 2026:
• The OEKO-TEX® Association responded: “Following the withdrawal of all valid OEKO-TEX® certificates, a comprehensive investigation was conducted, which resulted in the reactivation of the certificates.”

Are there any reactions to the follow up: yes

Corrective Action Plan/Complaint mechanism: no

Termination of Business Relationship:
no

Arbitration Council:
no

BAFA reactions: no reaction

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