Workers in Cambodia and Myanmar hit hard by Coronavirus fall-out12 March, 2020The global outbreak of the Coronavirus is slowing down the economy and eliminating thousands of jobs in the global supply chain in South East Asia. Cambodia and Myanmar are among the most affected countries in the region.
ACT initiative: a potential strategy for living wages in Ethiopia27 February, 2020The campaign for living wages in Ethiopia is at the point where the question is not when the low wages will be increased but how soon this can be done.
Deadlock sets Turkish metalworkers en route to strike21 January, 2020Around 130,000 members from three Turkish metal unions, Türk Metal, Birleşik Metal-İş and Özçelik-İş, are determined to continue their struggle for a fair collective agreement after negotiations fail. Unions are planning a strike next month, if a solution is not found.
Indonesia: fears new bill will destroy workers’ welfare15 January, 2020The Indonesian union movement is vehemently opposing a proposed bill on job creation, saying it will destroy workers’ welfare in near future. Nationwide protests are planned later this month, calling for the controversial bill to be scrapped.
Garment workers in Ethiopia need strong unions3 December, 2019Located in the Sidama Region, Hawassa Industrial Park is the largest in Ethiopia with potential to employ over 60,000 workers, in line with government policies to create decent jobs for millions of the unemployed. The park currently employs about 25,000.
Ethiopia: towards a common collective bargaining strategy28 November, 2019Unions meeting at a collective bargaining strategy workshop concluded that bargaining together, they could achieve better wages and working conditions.
Joint action in South-East European textile industries19 November, 2019Textile, clothing, leather and footwear industries employ more than 600,000 people in eight South-East European countries, with the proximity to major European markets providing growth opportunities. But with salaries as low as €200-400 per month in some countries, union leaders are reporting that it is difficult to attract young workers.
German supermarket Lidl joins ACT19 November, 2019By signing the ACT MoU with IndustriALL Global Union in November 2019, Lidl became the first German discounter to commit to ensuring living wages in its garment and footwear supply chain through freedom of association, collective bargaining and responsible purchasing practices.
Garment workers, suppliers and ACT brands agree on Freedom of Association Guideline15 November, 2019After eight months of negotiations, factories producing for ACT brands in Myanmar have agreed on a Myanmar Freedom of Association (FoA) Guideline with IndustriALL affiliate Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM).
Adidas, get off the sidelines! 1 November, 2019On 29 October, demonstrators in New York City called on major sports brand Adidas to join ACT, the global initiative on living wages. By refusing to join ACT, Adidas is effectively standing in the way of progress towards a living wage for garment workers.
