Representatives from garment factories and labour inspectors have begun a collaboration programme designed to improve communication, foster knowledge of labour laws and solve industry problems.
The programme is part of an ILO project, ‘Compliance through Inspection and Dialogue’, which aims to improve working conditions, productivity and competitiveness in the Lao PDR garment manufacturing sector by strengthening the national labour inspection system, protecting workers’ rights and improving the garment industry’s competitiveness in global supply chains.
Labour Inspectors from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW) will work with factories utilising innovative tools to improve communication mechanisms between workers and employers. Labour Inspectors can provide training on labour law rights and obligations and assist factories to identify risks and problem solve.
Representatives from 12 factories that have volunteered to take part in the project attended a workshop on November 4, 2015 in Vientiane to begin their collaboration with the labour inspectorate. The garment sector is Lao PDR’s largest manufacturing employer and makes a significant contribution to annual national exports. Around 30,000 workers are employed by about 60 exporting factories and 45 subcontracting firms, with production mainly in and around the capital, Vientiane.
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