BetterWork: 24th Compliance Synthesis Report Under the Hope Legislation Haiti
Summary — This is the 24th compliance synthesis report under the HOPE legislation in Haiti, covering May 2021 to June 2022. It details the compliance of apparel factories exporting to the US market with international core labor standards and Haitian labor law, as assessed by Better Work Haiti.
Key Findings
- High non-compliance rates persist in occupational safety and health, particularly in emergency preparedness and chemical management.
- Non-compliance related to social security and benefits remains high, often linked to the non-payment of the lunch break.
- Allegations of forced labor were noted in two factories related to restrictions on foreign workers.
- The Haitian textile industry experienced a 15.09% increase in exports to the United States in the first five months of 2022.
- A labor roundtable conference was held to address challenges and create a roadmap for the future of the garment and textiles sector.
Full Description
This report, the 24th of its kind, synthesizes compliance data from Haitian apparel factories participating in the Better Work program under the HOPE legislation. It assesses factories' adherence to core international labor standards and national Haitian labor law, focusing on areas such as freedom of association, child labor, forced labor, discrimination, compensation, occupational safety and health, contracts, and working time. The report highlights key activities of the Better Work program, including training sessions, advisory services, and collaboration with government stakeholders to improve working conditions and competitiveness in Haiti's garment industry. It also addresses the impact of political instability, economic challenges, and social issues on the sector.