Bangladesh may give Accord a six month extension. The five-year time frame of the European buyers’ and retailers’ platform comes to an end on May 31, 2018. Two reviews of Accord’s progress – one in January 2018 and another in May 2018– will be conducted by a committee which will be constituted with representatives of the government, brands, International Labor Organisation and global trade union federations.

During the additional six-month period the name of the initiative would be Transitional Accord. During the extension period, Accord would work independently. After the Rana Plaza building collapse in April 24, 2013, that killed more than 1100 people, mostly garments workers, EU retailers formed the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh to improve factory safety in Bangladesh while North American retailers formed the Alliance, undertaking a five-year plan, which set timeframes and accountability for inspections and training and worker empowerment programs.

Both platforms conducted safety inspections in more than 2,300 readymade garment factories from where they procure products. The Alliance for Bangladesh Workers’ Safety does not plan to continue in Bangladesh beyond its tenure. If any factory seeks financial assistance for remediation, Accord facilitates negotiation over the issue between the lead buyers and manufacturers.