Time to pay up for Rana Plaza victims

Toronto – March 30, 2015 — UFCW Canada is calling on all activists to step up the pressure on certain global brands that have yet to provide adequate payments to a Rana Plaza victims’ compensation fund. With the second anniversary of the tragedy approaching on April 24, Benetton has yet to pay a penny into the Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund. Others, including Walmart and The Children's Place have offered donations that fall far short of expectations.

The compensation fund was established in January 2014. The Loblaw Companies was one of the first supporters, with a donation of USD $3.4 million – more than 10% of the trust fund’s $30 million target.

Yet Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, with annual revenues of over $458 billion, has only donated $1 million. Benetton, despite its promises, has so far contributed nothing. The Children’s Place, with annual revenues of $1.8 billion, donated about $450,000. To date, Rana Plaza victims and their families have only received a maximum of 70% of what they are owed in compensation, with further payments delayed as a result of the failure of certain brands to pay up the $8.5 million needed to complete the fund.

Take action:

• Tweet @walmart, @childrensplace and @benetton and tell them to #PayUp their fair share to #RanaPlaza victims.