In garment factories around the world, short lead-times, constantly changing styles, and downward pressure on costs can lead to stress on the production floor. Businesses can struggle to pay workers on time, there may be tensions over workflow, and conflicts over the level of pay and benefits paid to workers. These pressures often result in low workplace morale, lost productivity, and disputes that result in factory closures.
To prevent and resolve conflict as close to the source as possible, the promotion of sound Industrial Relations’ practices, based on the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, is a key dimension of our work in the industry.
At factory, country and global levels, our staff focus on working with employers and workers to promote respectful communication and establish mechanisms for information sharing, consultation and negotiation.
Our research and experience has shown that the development of a climate of mutual respect, along with the establishment of mechanisms and procedures for consultation, information sharing and negotiation pays off, and is mutually beneficial to workers and businesses.