• Commentary,  Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises

    Bangladesh: A Step Forward Compensating Victims of Garment Factory Tragedies

    Read the recent Wall Street Journal article.  When I was in Bangladesh in early December 2013, the issue of compensation for victims of the fire and building collapse tragedies was one of the issues in the forefront. (The other major issues were building safety and working conditions going forward.) Adequate compensation for workers who were disabled and family members whose breadwinners had died was sought. We have insurance and other compensation mechanisms in place in the United States.  These are not in place in Bangladesh. Therefore the establishment of this victims fund and the initial contributions to it are major steps forward. Progress does not come  easy or all at once,…