Walmart, Other Retailers Agree to Tougher Safety Standards in Bangladesh

One group represents mostly American companies, including Walmart, and the other represents European companies like H&M.

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FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images

Two groups representing major retailers in the United States and Europe, including Walmart, said Wednesday that they had agreed on stricter inspection standards for thousands of garment factories in Bangladesh.

The new requirements, including more sprinkler systems and fire doors, come amid concerns over garment worker conditions following a series of deadly incidents, including the collapse of a factory building in April that left more than 1,130 people dead.

The two groups were formed after that disaster, representing stores like Walmart and Gap in America, and H&M and Carrefour in Europe, to help determine industry standards amid pressure from labor and consumer groups.

[New York Times]