The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) has expressed its deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and communities of 16 Bangladeshi workers who died in a fire at a furniture factory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
BWI described the incident as a devastating reminder of workers’ fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment, stressing that no worker should lose their life simply for going to work. The organisation mourned the victims and expressed solidarity with Bangladeshi migrant workers and their unions.
The union federation has called on the governments of Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh to undertake a full, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. The investigation, it said, should examine workplace safety measures and the regulatory conditions in place at the facility.
BWI said the authorities must draw lessons from the tragedy and implement all necessary measures to strengthen protections for migrant workers against workplace hazards.
The organisation also called on both governments and relevant authorities to ensure that affected workers and the families of those who died receive all benefits, compensation and assistance to which they are entitled.
It further urged authorities to arrange for the remains of the deceased workers to be repatriated to Bangladesh without delay and without any cost being imposed on their families.
“The deaths of these 16 workers must not be reduced to a tragic statistic. Their lives, dignity and rights must be honoured through accountability, justice and stronger protections for all workers.”
