Five year initiative makes inroads

Factory employees and managers have paid tribute to the work of the Global Alliance for Workers and Communities, a five-year initiative that ended in December.

The alliance was created at the end of 1999 by the International Youth Foundation, Nike and the World Bank to improve conditions for workers in supply chains. Its programme went beyond brand or factory codes of compliance, and the alliance intervened on issues of human rights, code compliance and worker development.

The alliance was active in 61 factories in China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, and delivered health services and training, improved health clinics, offered management training in interpersonal skills, and established workers’ saving co-operatives.

Workers have reported improvements in workplace treatment and involvement, health and quality of life, personal autonomy and prospects, and communication and life skills. Managers have observed improvements in the motivation of workers, more respectful relations with staff, greater feedback and interaction, better work quality and efficiency, and less workplace harassment, abuse, absenteeism and sick leave.