(2015-04) Better Work Haiti: 10th Biannual Synthesis Report
Summary — This 10th biannual synthesis report by Better Work Haiti, a partnership of ILO and IFC, details compliance assessment findings in 26 garment factories in Haiti between September 2014 and February 2015. It evaluates working conditions and adherence to national labor law and international standards under the HOPE II legislation. The report also outlines advisory and training services provided to improve the apparel industry's competitiveness and working conditions.
Key Findings
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) remains the cluster with the highest non-compliance rates, particularly in emergency preparedness (81%) and health services/first aid (92%).
- Social Security and Other Benefits show a 58% non-compliance rate, mainly due to late or non-payment of ONA (pension funds) and OFATMA (accident insurance) contributions.
- Working Time compliance has decreased, with 54% non-compliance in overtime (11 factories exceeding legal limits) and 38% in regular hours (10 factories with flawed time records).
- Child labor is virtually non-existent, with only one non-compliance finding related to insufficient age documentation for two workers.
- Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining had two instances of non-compliance (4% each), including failure to implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement and wrongful termination of union members.
Full Description
This 10th Biannual Synthesis Report by Better Work Haiti, a joint initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), covers compliance assessments in 26 garment factories in Haiti from September 2014 to February 2015. The program, launched in June 2009, aims to enhance working conditions and competitiveness in the apparel sector by promoting adherence to the Haitian labour code and ILO fundamental principles. The report highlights findings on core labour standards and working conditions, including persistent non-compliance in areas like social security, occupational safety and health (OSH), and working time. It also details advisory services and training provided to factories, emphasizing the shift towards a systems-based approach and strengthening bipartite worker-management committees (PICCs) to foster long-term, sustainable improvements. The report underscores the importance of the HOPE II legislation in driving changes within the industry and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders.