11 July, 2014The global framework agreement (GFA) with Inditex, the world's largest fashion retailer, is designed to promote decent work across the group's vast supply chain, covering over a million workers in more than 6,000 supplier factories worldwide.
The ground-breaking agreement between IndustriALL Global Union and Inditex, which was renewed in 2014, is the first of its kind to cover a retail supply chain.
It underlines that freedom of association and the right to bargain collectively play a central role in a sustainable supply chain because they provide workers with the mechanisms to monitor and enforce their rights at work.
Under the GFA, which was originally signed with IndustriALL's predecessor the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation in 2007, Inditex recognizes IndustriALL as its global trade union counterpart. Both parties undertake to collaborate to ensure the sustainable and long-term observance of all international labour standards across Inditex's operations, including its suppliers.
Inditex’s Code of Conduct for External Manufacturers and Suppliers underpins the agreement which outlaws forced labour, child labour, discrimination and harsh and inhumane treatment throughout the Inditex supply chain. It provides for the payment of a living wage for a standard workweek, limitations on working hours, healthy and safe workplaces, regular employment and environmental awareness. The terms of the agreement apply equally to direct suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors including homeworkers. No subcontracting is allowed without the prior written consent of Inditex and suppliers allowed to subcontract will be responsible for subcontractor compliance.
Recognizing the role of organized labour and collective bargaining, Inditex and IndustriALL will keep constantly under review developments in this area in the Inditex supply chain and will co-operate in finding solutions where problems are detected, including collaborating on training programmes for management and workers.
To facilitate this ongoing review Inditex will provide IndustriALL with relevant information on its supply chain and both Inditex and IndustriALL will jointly develop training policies and programmes to drive compliance.
The application of the agreement will be reviewed annually by a six person group drawn jointly from Inditex and IndustriALL.