Experts in Bangladesh have emphasized the need to formalize the country's informal textile waste management system to comply with EU sustainability regulations. A structured policy could create jobs, reduce import reliance, and address labor unrest. Key stakeholders call for technology transfer, financing, and a national circularity strategy.
The ILO, through its ILO-Korea Partnership Programme (I-KORP), launched a project to improve Cambodia's labour dispute resolution systems. Introduced in Phnom Penh, the initiative focuses on enhancing conciliation, mediation, and arbitration processes while promoting social dialogue among government, employers, and unions.
On November 21, 2024, Dr. Huy Hansong, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, closed the Partnership Project to Promote Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for garment workers at a ceremony in Phnom Penh.
The Bangladesh Textile Garment Workers Federation (BTGWF) demands better welfare for garment workers, including ration cards for affordable essentials, constitutional food security, trade union rights, health and safety funds, a universal welfare fund, a dedicated hospital, and compensation for victims of the Tazreen fire and Rana Plaza collapse.
Falling prices for Bangladeshi garment imports in the US and EU, coupled with a 50% rise in production costs over five years, are squeezing profit margins and threatening the apparel sector's sustainability.
Vietnam's amended Trade Union Law, passed on November 27, expands rights for workers, including foreign employees with 12-month contracts, to join trade unions. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
The global textile industry uses 3.25 billion tonnes of resources annually, with only 0.3% recycled content. Synthetic fibers like polyester dominate at 70%. The sector contributes 3.5% of global emissions and water scarcity
The 2021 Dindigul Agreement to eliminate gender-based violence in Tamil Nadu’s garment factories has become a broader social catalyst. Through workplace protections and leadership systems like Shop Floor Monitors, women are now confronting domestic violence, caste discrimination, and community issues.
Delhi-NCR’s garment industry struggles as pollution spikes, causing absenteeism among workers due to health issues. Factories distribute masks and adopt measures like air purifiers, while industry leaders urge urgent government action.
Vietnam has suspended Chinese retailer Temu for missing a registration deadline. Authorities raised concerns about the authenticity of Temu's cheap goods and their impact on local manufacturers. Its operations remain uncertain amid wider investigations in Europe over illegal product sales.
A famous Thai sewing company in Samut Sakhon has shut down its branch, laying off all employees due to rising production costs, global competition, and economic volatility. The closure marks a significant loss the local industry, leaving long-time workers devastated.
Myanmar's garment industry struggles with labor shortages as workers migrate to Thailand and China. Factory owners hire unskilled labor and face recruitment challenges. The sector has lost 220,000 workers since 2022, severely impacting production and the nation's GDP.
Rising heat in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan jeopardizes garment workers’ safety, with “wet-bulb” temperatures exceeding safe thresholds 42% more often than before. New EU laws demand multinational brands address these risks by improving factory cooling systems and worker protections.
Myanmar’s Labor Ministry has faced criticism over delays in resolving workers' complaints, including wage disputes, excessive overtime, and unfair dismissals. Prolonged court cases and lack of timely action strain workers' livelihoods.
Automation has cut 31% of Bangladesh's garment jobs, mostly low-skill roles like helpers, with women hit hardest. Cutting-stage jobs saw a 48% drop. With 80% of factories planning more automation, upskilling and better integration are vital to sustain workers and global competitiveness.
Over a dozen human rights groups are pressing Honeys Holdings and its Myanmar subsidiary to drop a defamation lawsuit against union leader Myo Myo Aye. Filed in 2017 after labor protests, the case persists amid concerns about labor rights abuses and fair trials.
Bangladeshi apparel exporters urge foreign buyers to adopt fair pricing policies to address rising production costs. At a seminar by the Fair Wear Foundation, industry leaders highlighted cost surges from higher wages and energy prices, while apparel prices stagnate. Brands pledged collaboration.
