Inditex and IndustriALL strengthen alliance to improve supply chain working conditions

Inditex, owners of brands including Zara and Bershka, has strengthened its relationship with IndustriALL and its commitment to improve working conditions in the textile supply chain with the signing of a new protocol.

Over the past 15 years, almost 3 million people around the world have benefitted from better working conditions as a result of the Global Framework Agreement between Inditex and IndustriALL. A world first, the agreement is still a benchmark in the defence of decent work in global supply chains.

To commemorate the 15th anniversary, Oscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex, and Atle Høie, General Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, signed a new protocol designed to reinforce the Global Union Committee and its coordinating bodies, specifically establishing new mechanisms for cementing the role of the local unions for a better understanding of what the workers making the clothes need.

Under the new protocol, Inditex and IndustriALL will formulate a joint work plan which will focus on continued respect for the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and the provision of training to worker representatives, the textile group’s suppliers and its supply chain factory workers.

Inditex and IndustriALL are also making progress on a new workplace access protocol, which aims to learn about and monitor working conditions in the factories in Inditex’s supply chain, in order to understand the workers’ needs and to respond to them.

Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex, said: “The protocol signed today, commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Framework Agreement between Inditex and IndustriALL, evidences our determination to strengthen respect for fundamental labour rights across our production chain and marks a fresh milestone in both organisations’ ongoing mission of improving the lives of the women and men who populate it.”

Atle Høie, IndustriALL General Secretary, added: “Signing the Global Framework Agreement with Inditex was a breakthrough that has since lead the way for more responsible sourcing and proper industrial relations in the sector. It is fitting that we celebrate the first 15 years by signing a protocol that takes our relationship to a new level in terms of respect for fundamental trade union rights. The fact that we agree with Inditex to increase the role of our local and national unions and to firmly defend their right to organise and bargain collectively in the supply chains gives hope to many.”