STOCKHOLM – H&M Group has signed an updated global framework agreement (GFA) with global union IndustriALL aimed at protecting the rights of garment workers. Building on eight years of collaboration, the parties claim the renewed GFA “signifies a deeper commitment to safeguarding fundamental worker rights throughout H&M Group’s supply chain.”
The agreement encompasses more than one million garment workers employed at approximately 1,000 factories that produce goods for H&M Group.
Atle Hoie, the general secretary of IndustriALL, commented on the significance of the GFA: “With this updated agreement, we continue our vital work in empowering workers and unions within H&M’s supply chain. The GFA introduces significant advancements, such as incorporating all core International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, including ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment. A key element is the neutrality in union organizing. The agreement is supported by robust mechanisms, including national monitoring committees, a global steering committee, a joint industrial relations development committee, and a binding dispute resolution mechanism, all of which are crucial for establishing sustainable industrial relations in the textile and garment industry.”
Daniel Ervér, CEO of H&M Group, said: “We are proud of our enduring partnership with IndustriALL and IF Metall to continue empowering workers in our supply chain. Well-functioning industrial relations, including collective bargaining, are essential to ensuring good working conditions and improving wages. This is a critical step toward a more sustainable fashion industry, supported by healthy labor markets in the countries where we source our products.”
The updated GFA includes a revised governance structure to ensure its effective implementation, a pledge to collaborate on due diligence in line with OECD Guidelines, and enhanced provisions to prevent and address gender-based violence and harassment. The updates also highlight the importance of industry collaborations like ACT, the ACCORD, and the RSC and Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) in Bangladesh, which aim to improve working conditions for all.
Key elements of the global framework agreement include:
- Joint promotion of collective agreements at the factory, company, and industrial levels between relevant social partners.
- Workers’ rights to refuse unsafe work as part of their health and safety protections.
- Provision of training for both management and union representatives on employers’ responsibilities, workers’ rights, industrial relations, collective bargaining, and peaceful conflict resolution.
- H&M’s commitment to leveraging its influence to ensure that its direct suppliers respect human and trade union rights.
- Protection of workers’ representatives from discrimination and ensuring they can fulfill their roles in the workplace.
H&M, IndustriALL, and IF Metall first signed a GFA in 2015, with a renewal in 2016. This latest agreement further solidifies their dedication to fostering a sustainable and equitable garment industry.
