Kmart commits to garment workers' rights

A charity that has long fought for improved worker rights in the garment industry says there has been a breakthrough with one of Australia's large clothing retailers.

Bangladeshi garment workers protest in Gazipur north of Dhaka (Getty)

Oxfam says among the commitments Kmart will honour are improved working conditions, building safety and security at factories owned and operated by its suppliers in developing nations.

Kmart will also publicise the addresses of its suppliers' factories and join up to a program that aims to strengthen an ethical code on workplace safety and security within the supply chain.

Oxfam's labour rights policy adviser, Kelly Dent, has told Murray Silby it's a major step for Kmart and should encourage others to take the same step.

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