Project Launch: Improving industrial relations for Decent Work and sustainable development in the Textile and Garment Industry in Ethiopia

The project, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions and Ethiopian Employers Federation - will assist the government, social partners and major industry stakeholders in their efforts to improve productivity, to promote social dialogue, and to improve wages and working conditions through nurturing sound labour relations practices and promoting collective bargaining.

At regional and sectoral level, the project will strengthen the regional labour administrations’ capacity for labour inspection and dispute settlement; and employers’, workers’ and their organizations’ organizational capacity by developing sound industrial relations and social dialogue practices.

At enterprise level, the project will provide capacity building support for employers and workers’ representatives in around twenty enterprises willing to make an explicit commitment to the principles of the ILO and to the emergence of a socially responsible garment industry in Ethiopia via the development of productive and democratic labour relations.

What	:	Project launch on improving industrial relations for Decent Work and sustainable development in the Textile and Garment Industry in Ethiopia
When	:	Thursday 04 February 2016
Where	:	Arvind Lifestyle Apparel Manufacturing PLC, Bole-Lemi Industrial Zone
Who	:	The ILO in collaboration with Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions and Ethiopian Employers Federation and other key stakeholders at regional and sectoral levels.

Background information

Improved industrial relations, working conditions and productivity is key for the sustainability of Garment and Textile Industry in Ethiopia. However, the industry faces challenges related to industrial relations, working conditions and productivity that require action to improve governance and develop effective frameworks and practice in accordance international labour standards and national labour proclamation.

The project aims to contribute to the development of socially sustainable textile and garment industry in line with Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II).

ILO and H&M signed in September 2014 a unique agreement on sustainable global supply chains in the garment industry. The partnership is intended to establish a positive and innovative model for other brands and create a global alliance to promote the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda in the supply chain of the global garment industry.

For more detailed information, please contact: Kidist Chala, Chief Technical Advisor: [email protected]