SAN FRANCISCO – July 10, 2013 – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that it has signed an agreement to form the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety (Alliance) and the Bangladesh Worker Safety Initiative, a multi-stakeholder agreement created under the leadership of former U.S. Senators George Mitchell and Olympia Snowe of the Bipartisan Policy Center. The Alliance brings together retailers and industry associations from across North America to play a substantial role in improving working conditions for the people in Bangladesh’s garment industry.
The Alliance is structured and accountable through benchmarks and incentives to ensure the Bangladeshi government has a vested interest in safeguarding and reinforcing systemic, sustained change through government regulation and enforcement.
As a founding member of the Alliance, Gap Inc. is committed to providing funding for a worker safety program that directly supports comprehensive factory inspections, safety training and readiness, worker empowerment initiatives and financial assistance to affected workers.
"The plan is a significant step toward achieving safer factory conditions for garment workers in Bangladesh," said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc. "Gap Inc. has a robust Fire and Building Safety Program underway in Bangladesh and we are close to completing fire and building safety inspections at the approximately 70 factories where we do business.”
Murphy added: “The Alliance will allow us to closely coordinate with other major North American retailers and brands to improve fire and building safety standards in Bangladesh.”
The agreement will be governed by an independent chair, supervised by a nine-person oversight board and managed by a third party that will work closely with local parties to implement and enforce safety measures.
For further information about the Alliance’s plan, please visit www.bangladeshworkersafety.org.
For more information on Gap Inc.’s commitment to the safety of factory workers in Bangladesh, visit www.wearecommitted.com.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2012 net sales were $15.7 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, over 300 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
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