Multinational corporation comes to aid of Bangladeshi workers

A Japanese multinational, Sony, has provided financial assistance to 283 Bangladeshi workers who reportedly went unpaid for seven months last year, according to the international human rights group International Rights Advocates (IRAdvocates). While the exact amount wasn't disclosed, IRAdvocates praised Sony for its "meaningful and proactive steps" in addressing the situation.

Terrence Collingsworth, founder and executive director of IRAdvocates, stated that his organization initially brought the workers' plight to the attention of their former employer, Kawaguchi Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, and its customers, including Sony. Upon learning of the allegations, Sony urged Kawaguchi to take corrective action and subsequently ceased doing business with them.

Collingsworth highlighted the Kawaguchi case as an example of how corporate accountability and collaboration can lead to positive change in upholding human rights. This comes after reports on December 18 that Kawaguchi had agreed to pay overdue salaries to its foreign employees and that the Putrajaya labor office would help them find new jobs, following a protest by the workers.

Migrant labor rights activist Andy Hall, who initially referred the case to Collingsworth, commended Sony for following the example of Daikin Industries Ltd. In December, Daikin, a major air-conditioner manufacturer, had provided emergency aid and additional financial assistance to the affected workers. Hall noted that the money from Sony is "significant" and will offer "yet more respite for these victims of modern slavery, who remain in severe situations of debt bondage."