- Andrea Byrne
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Inditex, owner of Zara and seven other large fashion retailers, has
committed to maintaining workers’ rights through its supply chains and
through the stability of payments.
Together with the Industriall Global Union, a representative of 50
million workers in the garment industry, the pair have issued a joint
pledge to reaffirm their commitments to help the garment industry recover
against a backdrop of uncertainty amid the Covid-19 crisis.
The two global garment giants have a long-standing partnership which
began in 2007 after signing a global framework agreement. It was then renewed
in 2019.
The pledge commits to ensuring the respect of freedom of association and
collective bargaining rights along the company’s supply chain; enhancing
Inditex’s commitment to stable payment terms; promoting interaction with
information, consultation and negotiation at all levels; and ensuring
health and safety standards are met.
Inditex executive chairman Pablo Isla said in a statement: “Our
priority through this crisis has been and continues to be the health and
safety of our people, the workers in our supply chain and our customers.
“Our longstanding and fruitful work with Industriall for over 13 years
makes our framework agreement a strong tool to keep working to protect and
promote workers’ rights and well- being, while supporting the global
garment industry during these unprecedented times.”
Industriall Global Union general secretary Valter Sanches added: “The
Covid-19 pandemic caused a crisis in the textile and garment industry that
led unions to experience mass job losses, unsafe working conditions and
attacks on workers’ rights. Many of our members saw their livelihoods
collapse entirely.
“The manufacturing suppliers need stability and predictability so that
employment and income can be preserved. That’s what this commitment
entails. We are working together to help the industry to develop the
resilience to recover from the crisis, saving jobs and preserving the
rights and income of workers.”
Photo credit: Inditex media room
