Inditex, owner of Zara and seven other large fashion retailers, has
\ncommitted to maintaining workers’ rights through its supply chains and
\nthrough the stability of payments.<\/p>\n
Together with the Industriall Global Union, a representative of 50
\nmillion workers in the garment industry, the pair have issued a joint
\npledge to reaffirm their commitments to help the garment industry recover
\nagainst a backdrop of uncertainty amid the Covid-19 crisis.<\/p>\n
The two global garment giants have a long-standing partnership which
\nbegan in 2007 after signing a global framework agreement which was renewed
\nin 2019. <\/p>\n
The pledge commits to ensuring the respect of freedom of association and
\ncollective bargaining rights along the company’s supply chain; enhancing
\nInditex’s commitment to stable payment terms; promoting interaction with
\ninformation, consultation and negotiation at all levels; and ensuring
\nhealth and safety standards are met. <\/p>\n
Inditex executive chairman Pablo Isla said in a statement: “Our
\npriority through this crisis has been and continues to be the health and
\nsafety of our people, the workers in our supply chain and our customers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“Our longstanding and fruitful work with Industriall for over 13 years
\nmakes our framework agreement a strong tool to keep working to protect and
\npromote workers’ rights and well- being, while supporting the global
\ngarment industry during these unprecedented times.” <\/p>\n
Industriall Global Union general secretary Valter Sanches added: “The
\nCovid-19 pandemic caused a crisis in the textile and garment industry that
\nled unions to experience mass job losses, unsafe working conditions and
\nattacks on workers’ rights. Many of our members saw their livelihoods
\ncollapse entirely.<\/p>\n
“The manufacturing suppliers need stability and predictability so that
\nemployment and income can be preserved. That’s what this commitment
\nentails. We are working together to help the industry to develop the
\nresilience to recover from the crisis, saving jobs and preserving the
\nrights and income of workers.”<\/p>\n
Photo credit: Inditex <\/p>\n