The Global Labour Institute at Cornell University recently published a two-year progress report, titled “Dindigul Agreement to Eliminate Gender-based Violence and Harassment”.

This historic legally binding agreement, signed in April 2022, aims to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment at Eastman's factories in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. It was established by the Indian union TTCU (Tamil Nadu Textile and Common Labour Union), which is led by women and Dalits, and the garment manufacturer Eastman Exports.

The report shows that the Dindigul Agreement is making significant progress in meeting its objectives, particularly in addressing GBVH through strong labor-management collaboration and a trusted grievance system. Workers feel empowered to report issues without fear of retaliation, and grievances are handled promptly. Despite these successes, challenges remain, including the need for more GBVH training for workers and middle management, as well as improved record-keeping. A major concern, however, is the decline in employment due to reduced sourcing, with the factory operating at 60% capacity. Female workers, many of whom face systemic caste oppression, are particularly anxious about job security. The sustainability of the agreement will depend on whether these progressive labor practices can attract more business from global brands, especially as human rights due diligence becomes mandatory. Future assessments should explore how these factories can integrate into global sourcing models.

Read the report in our Resources section.