Efforts are underway to bring in measures to firm up and consolidate the relationship between the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and trade unions and apparel workers, the apex body of the industry said.

Just Style, an international apparel and textile industry news and analysis platform, shared that the JAAF is doing its utmost to ensure the sustenance of livelihoods and well-being of apparel worker in Sri Lanka while protecting and upholding their rights in these unprecedented times.

“As an industry, we are firmly taking proactive initiatives to strengthen and consolidate our relationship with trade unions and apparel workers. This is demonstrated through the JAAF’s collaboration with the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Better Work programme, which extends to a unique partnership between relevant stakeholders, said the JAAF, as reported by Just Style.

In September, the JAAF affirmed its commitment to support the Better Work Initiative by the ILO. The move indicates the JAAF’s interest in people and their well-being.

The programme is focused on occupational safety and health, dispute resolution mechanisms and women’s empowerment, given that women make up the working backbone of the industry.

Better Work Sri Lanka will roll out initiatives in three key areas.

In the occupational safety and health area, focus will be on using risk assessments, strengthening management systems, conducting leadership training and training of trainers and awareness campaigns promoting improved mental health and well-being.

The second priority area will be gender, diversity and inclusion, which will include leadership skill training and career development for women workers, implementing the ILO C190 toolkit addressing harassment and violence in the workplace and facilitating access to pregnancy-related healthcare, childcare and maternity protection.

The third area of focus will be on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Programmes will be rolled out to improve leadership and financial literacy for SME management. It will also look at implementation of a factory improvement toolkit, including management systems and productivity interventions and increasing visibility to supply chain partners.

The efforts and initiative come after the government repressed protesting union members amidst a political and economic crisis.