Alphen aan den Rijn, 24 januari 2023
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is a private non-profit organization who represents the clothing industry in Bangladesh. On January 16, 2023 the head of purchasing, Erika Roolvink-Schartman, and CEO, Erik-Jan Mares, received the Golden Sewing Machine for Zeeman’s efforts in producing responsibly in Bangladesh. We were given this award during the first gathering with all of our Bangladeshi suppliers in 3 years, as a result of the Covid pandemic.
With a yellow and blue themed ‘bonus giving ceremony’ Erica and Erik-Jan were welcomed in two factories in Bangladesh where factory workers received their first Zeeman bonus. At the same time, this bonus was being given at one of our sock-suppliers in Turkey. In this case as well, the difference between minimum and living wage for our production share was compensated by Zeeman. Unlike India and Pakistan, the Zeeman bonus in Bangladesh is given every half year whereas in Turkey, it is given every quarter. The next step in our journey is to bring this important topic to attention in all countries where we produce. After our pilots in Pakistan and India, we have also started in Bangladesh and Turkey.
*This post is a translated version of the Dutch press release: https://www.zeeman.com/nl/pers
