Better Work Haiti: 9th Biannual Synthesis Report

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.