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ILO-IFC Better Work Program

Global, Global

Better Work is a flagship partnership between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) improving working conditions and labor rights in the global garment industry. Operating in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Jordan, Nicaragua, and Vietnam, the program combines factory assessments, advisory services, and worker-manager training to improve compliance with ILO core labor standards. Independent impact assessments show increased factory productivity, reduced sexual harassment, increased women's access to prenatal care, decreased gender pay gaps, and workers reporting fairer hours, improved pay, and stronger workplace communication.

Behavior Goal

Improve workplace safety and labor rights compliance; foster social dialogue between workers and managers; reduce gender-based violence and harassment; increase worker voice and collective bargaining

Target Audiences

Healthcare Workers

Implementers & Partners

  • International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Donors & Sponsors

  • ILO
  • World Bank Group
  • Multiple governments

Key Takeaways

  • 1Factory-level engagement with assessments and advisory services drives compliance
  • 2Social dialogue between workers and managers is crucial for sustained change
  • 3Sector-wide Collective Bargaining Agreements scale impact beyond individual factories
  • 4Program improves both working conditions and factory productivity
  • 5Evidence shows reduced sexual harassment and gender pay gaps

Sources

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