On 3 August 2025, a consultation workshop on worker-led climate action in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector was held. Youth and women leaders from trade union federations joined the workshop. It was hosted at the ETI Bangladesh office. The workshop resulted in the formation of the Worker-led Climate Action Network (Worker CAN) by the participants of the meeting. This newly established network aims to promote worker-led initiatives on climate action, renewable energy transition, and decarbonisation within Bangladesh’s RMG industry.
The meeting brought together 26 youth and women leaders from 13 trade union federations: Akota Garments Worker Federation, Bangladesh Apparels Worker Federation, Bangladesh Garments, Textile & Leather Workers' Federation (BGTLWF), Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation (BIGUF), Bangladesh Revolutionary Garment Workers Federation (BRGWF), Bangladesh National Trade Union Federation (BNTUF), Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF), Federation of Garments Workers (FGW), Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation, National Garment Workers Federation, Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation (SGSF), United Federation of Garments Worker (UFGW), and Bangladesh Federation of Workers Solidarity (BFWS).
During the workshop, the network was officially formed to encourage active worker participation in climate-related efforts across the sector. The process included consultations, discussions on strengthening worker engagement, and planning for inclusive climate advocacy.
Convenors were selected through open voting among participants. Following voting, Sheheli Afroz Lovely from the United Federation of Garments Workers and Md. Elias from Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation were elected as the convenors of the network.
The meeting concluded with the Worker CAN pleding to prioritise raising worker awareness and mainstreaming worker voices on environmental sustainability and the need for a renewable energy transition in RMG Sector.
The consultation workshop ended on the note that the newly formed Worker CAN is committed to driving long-term, systemic change in Bangladesh’s RMG sector toward a greener future.
