‘129 global brands and retailers have joined Pakistan Accord’

The National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) held a consultative session on Sunday with affiliates from the IndustriALL Global Union’s textile and garment sector to discuss the implementation of workplace safety and grievance mechanisms under the Pakistan Accord framework.

The Pakistan Accord, which became effective in 2023, builds upon the successful model of the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry.

Inspired by the tragic Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh in 2013, this legally binding agreement unites global brands, retailers and trade unions to enhance workplace safety standards.

Chaired by Zehra Khan, co-chairperson of the textile and garment sector at IndustriALL Global Union, the meeting highlighted significant developments, including Levi Strauss & Co.’s recent commitment as a signatory.

As of October this year, 129 global brands and retailers have joined the Pakistan Accord, covering approximately 550 factories and 574,000 workers under its provisions.

“The Pakistan Accord and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act exemplify how collective transnational labour struggles can benefit workers regardless of religion or ethnicity,” said NTUF General Secretary Nasir Mansoor. “It also serves as a reminder that struggles led by workers yield results for their communities.”

The Pakistan Accord encompasses several key features aimed at improving workplace safety. It mandates independent factory safety inspections focusing on critical areas such as fire hazards, electrical systems, structural integrity and boiler safety.

These inspections ensure that factories adhere to established safety protocols. Additionally, there is a commitment to public disclosure of inspection findings, promoting transparency regarding factory compliance and encouraging accountability among manufacturers.

Worker safety training is another essential component of the accord. This training equips workers with vital knowledge about safety protocols and empowers them to recognise potential hazards in their workplaces. Furthermore, accessible complaint mechanisms are established to allow workers to report issues without fear of retaliation, ensuring their voices are heard.

The accord also includes legally binding commitments from signatory brands, ensuring accountability among participating companies regarding their responsibilities for worker safety. To support these efforts, the programme provides assistance for necessary safety improvements within factories.

In terms of implementation structure, oversight is provided by the International Accord Foundation. Independent safety inspections are conducted regularly, supported by a local implementation team based in Pakistan. Joint monitoring by brands and unions further enhances accountability and ensures that safety standards are consistently met.

Participants at the session included Niaz Khan from the Ittehad Labour Union Carpet Industry, Sajjad Gardezi from the Pakistan Textile Workers Federation, Zia Syed from the All Pakistan Federation of United Textile Union and NTUF President Rafiq Baloch.

They collectively emphasised the urgent need for improved workplace safety mechanisms. The group called on major brands, including Nike, to join the accord, underscoring that enhanced safety standards can significantly bolster Pakistan’s position in global textile supply chains.

Gardezi lamented that while the textile and garments industry is one of the highest-earning sectors in Pakistan, its workers remain among the most underpaid. He urged young workers to join the trade union movement because no one else will advocate for them but they themselves.

Baloch highlighted that for many years workers in Sindh and Balochistan have not received death grants or scholarships from the workers’ welfare fund. Instead, bureaucrats responsible for distributing these funds have been involved in corruption, he claimed.

Syed pointed out that the GSP Plus status granted to Pakistan by the European Union should not conflict with labour court mechanisms, otherwise it can be detrimental to the labour movement. Niaz emphasised that trade unions are solutions to many problems faced by workers.

Recent pilot inspections conducted at seven factories revealed alarming deficiencies; none had adequate fire exits, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures across the industry.

“Effective implementation of the Pakistan Accord will considerably elevate our country’s standing in international markets,” remarked Zehra, who also serves as general secretary of Home-Based Women Workers Federation. “It reflects Pakistan’s dedication to worker safety and responsible business practices, making us a more appealing destination for global brands.”

As Pakistan’s largest manufacturing sector and a major employer, the textile and garment industry stands to gain immensely from standardised safety measures and improved working conditions instituted by the accord.