(2014-10) Better Work Haiti: 9th Biannual Synthesis Report
Summary — This 9th synthesis report by Better Work Haiti, a partnership between ILO and IFC, evaluates labor conditions in 25 garment factories in Haiti from April to August 2014 under the HOPE II legislation. It highlights compliance efforts, identifies persistent non-conformities in areas like health and safety, and outlines ongoing advisory and training services. The report also notes increased stakeholder involvement in improving the sector's competitiveness.
Key Findings
- Persistent non-conformities were found in occupational safety and health (100% non-compliance in some areas), social security (52%), and overtime payments (36%).
- Minimum wage compliance decreased by 13%, with two factories failing to pay the updated 225 gourdes/day, and industrial relations issues included unjustified dismissals and collective bargaining problems.
- A case of sexual harassment was identified, leading to the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy and supervisor training.
- Better Work Haiti is shifting its focus to more in-depth advisory services to address the root causes of recurring non-compliance, as overall compliance levels have plateaued.
- The garment sector remains a key employer (30,000+ people, 66% women) and export driver (91% of national exports), with increased stakeholder involvement in improving competitiveness.
Full Description
This 9th synthesis report from Better Work Haiti, a joint initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), provides an overview of working conditions in 25 garment factories in Haiti between April and August 2014, under the HOPE II legislation. The program aims to improve labor conditions and competitiveness in the garment industry by enforcing Haitian labor law and ILO fundamental principles, while also strengthening economic performance. The report details compliance assessment results, highlighting persistent non-conformities in areas such as occupational safety and health, social security contributions, and overtime payment.
The report emphasizes that while significant progress has been made since the program's inception in 2009, compliance levels have plateaued, with many non-conformities recurring. Better Work Haiti plans to refocus its activities in 2015 to provide more in-depth advisory services to address the root causes of non-compliance. Key challenges include ensuring proper medical examinations, adequate sanitary facilities, and effective emergency preparedness. The report also notes the impact of external factors like the chikungunya epidemic on factory absenteeism and the ongoing efforts to reform Haitian labor legislation and strengthen social dialogue through tripartite committees.