Global union to establish company blacklist
The Brussels-based International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF) is set to establish a register of "dirty" companies to encourage better practices. The move comes in response to what the ITGLWF describes as the growing abuse of workers’ rights in the textiles, clothing and footwear sector.
Speaking at the official launch of the register at the World Trade Organisation’s fourth Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar, last week, ITGLWF General Secretary Neil Kearney said: "Production of textiles, clothing and leather goods is now carried out in 160 countries primarily for export into only about 30 national markets. Workers in these industries often face appalling exploitation. They are forced to work long hours in terrible conditions – 17 hour workdays seven days a week are not unusual - and when they attempt to organise to improve their working conditions they face violence from management, from security guards and from hired thugs."
Some governments also come in for sharp criticism from the ITGLWF. According to Mr Kearney, it is often complacency, incompetence and corruption in government which fosters the growth of rogue companies. The promotion of trade without any social dimension is another factor driving exploitation of vulnerable workers in the sector - often young women - Kearney said.
The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation is an International Trade Secretariat bringing together 225 affiliated organisations in 110 countries with a combined membership of 10 million workers.
