Programme Countries
Better Work solutions are built to last and are developed with local social partners to meet their needs. Each country programme is designed to be sustainable. Donor funds are used to build local capacity and adapt global tools for local use. The cost of ongoing services such as assessments and training are covered by fees.
Country programmes are designed to be independent and self-financing within five years. Through quality control, knowledge sharing, networking and workplace improvement, the global Better Work programme will provide continuing support.
Jordan
During the past few years Jordan has been undergoing a period of reform, economic openness and global integration. It has experienced rapid growth with the apparel industry accounting for nearly 30% of total exports in 2005 and employing 54 000 workers, of which approximately two-thirds are guest workers. Exports to the United States alone exceed US$ 1 billion annually.
The rapid growth of the industry has presented Jordan with challenges in assuring the effective application of local labour laws and international labour standards. In response, the Government of Jordan has developed a broad programme of action to improve labour administration and compliance.
Viet Nam
Vietnam has experienced impressive growth within the last decade. The real annual GDP growth has averaged around 7.5% and the rate of poverty has fallen from around 70 percent to below 20 percent. The country is successfully transitioning from a central planned to a market economy, and joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. This economic transition is exposing Vietnam to increased competition. Both the private and public sector are looking for ways to enhance productivity and increase access to international markets. Another result of the transition is an increased level of industrial disputation including strikes.
The National Assembly recently revised the national Labor Code and provided for strengthened union recognition and collective bargaining. However, many enterprises are still struggling with an effective workplace cooperation and meaningful worker representation.
- Better Work Viet Nam information sheet
Lesotho
Lesotho’s export textile and apparel industries account for 20 percent of GDP and 50 percent of the formally employed workforce. Lesotho exports nearly all of their apparel products, with 90 percent or more going to the U.S. market in 2004. There are 52 factories employing about 45,000 workers. The industry faces significant risks, particularly trade policy uncertainty. Ensuring a future for the industry in Lesotho requires a multi-faceted approach including efforts to improve vertical integration, diversify markets, enhance production, and ensure high levels of compliance with labour and environmental standards. Better Work Lesotho represents the ILO/IFC contribution to an action plan for the industry developed jointly by local stakeholders and the MFA Forum, a broad network including buyers, NGOs, international organizations, and unions at the conference, Destination Lesotho: On the Road to Responsible Competitiveness in May 2006.
- Better Work Lesotho information sheet
