Better Work Haiti: 8th Biannual Synthesis Report
- High non-compliance rates persist in collective facilities (96%), working environment (96%), health and safety services (78%), and emergency preparedness (78%) across 23 garment factories.
- Significant non-compliance was found in social security payments, with 39% of factories having issues with OFATMA and ONA contributions, though this represents an improvement from previous cycles.
- Discrimination, particularly gender-based (e.g., dismissal of pregnant workers, sexual harassment), and violations of freedom of association (e.g., dismissal of unionized workers) were identified.
- A substantial portion of workers (71%) in piece-rate factories earned below the 300 gourdes daily production wage, with 39% earning between 200-249 gourdes.
- Non-compliance in working hours includes issues with paid leave (39% of factories, mainly related to breastfeeding breaks) and overtime limits (35% of factories).
This 8th synthesis report from Better Work Haiti, a partnership between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), provides an overview of working conditions in 23 garment factories in Haiti from October 2013 to February 2014, operating under the HOPE II legislation. The report identifies significant non-compliance rates across various categories, with collective facilities (96%), health and safety services (78%), emergency preparedness (78%), and working environment (96%) showing the highest levels of non-conformity.
Issues include inadequate toilets, insufficient medical personnel, lack of clear emergency exits, and poor ventilation. Despite these challenges, the report notes positive efforts in certain areas, such as a significant improvement in social security payments (23% reduction in non-compliance) and enhanced training for worker protection. However, non-compliance related to remuneration (paid leave, overtime) and human resources (dismissals, dialogue, and conflicts) remains high. Better Work Haiti continues to provide advisory services and training, focusing on strengthening bipartite committees (CCAP) and addressing persistent issues like sexual harassment and fire safety, aiming to foster a culture of social dialogue and continuous improvement in the Haitian garment industry.
How to cite
2014, Better Work Haiti: 8th Biannual Synthesis Report, accessed via HaitiDocs, https://www.haitidocs.org/doc/betterwork-haiti-2014