Worker Rights

Socially disadvantaged people are disproportionately affected by temperature extremes. A recent study explored this point in Cambodia: one of the world's hottest and most humid countries. It evidenced the extent of the heat exposure faced by workers in Cambodia and the way occupational, environmental and geographical dynamics combine to shape it. The study’s lead author, Dr Laurie Parsons of Royal Holloway, University of London, contextualises this for the country’s garment workers.

The Nike case should not be treated as an isolated scandal but as a structural failing that demands structural reform. Without enforceable standards, empowered worker representation, and legal accountability, the cycle of exploitation will persist—repackaged each time with a new corporate excuse.

Nine key trade bodies in India have collaboratively come up with a code of conduct that prohibits and prevents child labour in the textile sector, stressing on ethical sourcing, transparency, and accountability, enhancing brand reputation and contributing to the elimination of exploitative labour practices.

Cotton production is under multi-dimensional stress in Pakistan brought about collectively by factors ranging from low yields to low government support, to outdated farming methods on many of the farms, to constant fragmentation of farmland from one generation to the next, to the palpable impact of climatic change.

As Bangladesh grapples with overlapping political, economic, and labour market challenges, a new research on the country’s readymade garment sector has unearthed presence of child labour, including under illegal terms of work and in hazardous conditions, abuse of vulnerability of individuals living below the poverty line, abusive working conditions, among other things.

A new report identifies likely scenarios for Bangladesh’s industrial sectors, and opportunities to accelerate just industry transitions both through direct grant-making and multistakeholder collaboration.

Australia's 2024 Ethical Fashion Report has found that the average company score sits at only 31 out of 100, leaving significant room for improvement.

A new report—Hidden cost: Human Rights Policy and Practice in Mexico’s Apparel Supply Chains—examines how the North American country’s leading apparel companies address human rights risks in their supply chains and identifies key labour risks in the industry.

The Fair Wear Foundation (Fair Wear) and the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) have inked an MOU to take forward their collaborations now also on data convergence, policy and industry engagement to further impactful human rights due diligence (HRDD) implementation and eliminate audit duplication.

Through grievance applications launched by the ILO and three federations in Indonesia’s textiles and garment sectors, garment workers can report their work complaints and/or voice aspirations for a better and more productive working environment.