Addis Ababa (ILO News): During a panel discussion held during Africa’s largest trade show for apparel and garment, ILO highlighted the importance of improving industrial relations to boost the development of socially sustainable industries.
The trade show named, Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) 2016, was held in Addis Ababa from 4-7 October 2016, at the Millennium Hall. The event included two panel discussions on ‘Preference Program for Africa’ and ‘Business case for social Compliance in Global Marketplace’, where ILO participated.
During the panel discussions, Mr. George Okutho, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, highlighted the importance of industrial relations for the development of socially sustainable textile industry in the country. The Director further emphasized that productivity, worker’s right, decent working condition aren’t mutually exclusive.
During the fashion week, 195 exhibitors, 2,780 visitors and 48 designers participated alongside six panel discussions held on different topics. ILO used opportunity to disseminate information on labour law, collective bargaining, and occupational safety and health to industry stakeholders.
The ILO project on Improving Industrial Relations for Decent Work and Sustainable Development of Textile and Garment Industries in Ethiopia, which was focal in the participation, provided information about the relationship between harmonious industrial relations and sustainable development, including its impact on productivity and competitiveness.
