re: Collapsed Factory Building in Bangladesh

The recent tragedy in a Bangladesh garment factory raises serious concerns about working conditions there, the general safety of the workforce, as well as our responsibilities as consumers.

As Americans and New Yorkers, we have a responsibility and duty to protect against unsafe working conditions here at home and put an end to tragedies like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. Abroad, basic workplace protections we have worked hard to secure here, are lax, if nonexistent. While we may not play a direct role in securing similar protections  that could have prevented today’s tragedy in Bangladesh, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a voice or a responsibility to demand action.

We need to hold those responsible for such tragedies accountable. And as consumers we have the ability, and obligation to demand safe working conditions and put a stop to the neglect that took the lives of nearly 100 Bangladeshi people today.

Today, my thoughts and prayers are with Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi communities of my district