New York, NY - New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, President Vincent Alvarez today released the following statement regarding the GAP's and WalMart's refusal to sign the International Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh:

Today the Gap and WalMart attempted to feign their support for worker safety by creating a 'global alliance' that is accountable to no one.

These companies have continually ignored requests to sign the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, designed to implement legally binding safety standards that can help save lives.

The Gap and WalMart are insistent upon placing profits over the safety of the workers who produce the products sold in their stores.

Labor stands united in calling for corporations to make a real commitment to protecting the health and safety of the workers who keep them in business."

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