International Accord

Last week, the International Accord Steering Committee met in Dublin for important discussions on the progress and achievements of our work. Committee members reviewed the ongoing implementation of the Accord programs in Pakistan and Bangladesh, reaffirming our shared commitment to making textile and garment factories safer for workers. We also discussed the outcomes of recent feasibility studies on countries where the Accord may expand to, once the agreed expansion criteria in Pakistan have been met. Key takeaways from the meeting included: • Progress on the selection of the next Country Specific Safety Program, subject to further consultation with signatories and key stakeholders; • Potential next steps to expand the Accord complaints mechanism beyond OSH; • Discussion on ensuring sustainable and effective international and local governance of the programs in Pakistan and Bangladesh; • Recognition that the majority of the criteria for expansion to other countries have been met in Pakistan with more than 275 factories inspected, remediation starting to kick-off in dozens of factories and the training and complaints mechanism rolled out at more than 225 factories. • A strong commitment to renew the Pakistan Accord after 31 December 2025. Grateful to all Steering Committee members Alke Boessiger; Christina Hajagos-Clausen; Felicity Tapsell; Atle Høie; Michael Bride; Joachim Overmeyer; Mathias Bolton; Michael Reidick; Michelle Tarry; Ineke Zeldenrust; Scott Nova Jorge Alonso Campo; Amirul Haque Amin; and Kamrul Anam for their years-long dedication to constructive dialogue and cooperation as we continue to strengthen the Accord’s impact globally.

Last week, the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting in Amsterdam brought together over 120 representatives from brands, trade unions, and NGOs—all committed to advancing worker safety in the textile and garment industry. Alongside colleagues from the Pakistan Accord and the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), we engaged in meaningful discussions on the progress achieved, the challenges ahead, and the future pathways to strengthen workplace safety and ensure worker health and safety. Key highlights from the day included: ✅ Updates from the Accord’s country programs in Bangladesh and Pakistan including remediation progress and worker safety training.  ✅ Comparative insights into the Accord’s Complaints Mechanism from both countries. ✅ The launch of the Accord Signatory Portal—a critical step in providing factory insights and digitalising Accord systems. ✅ Discussions on future expansion of the Accord to other garment sourcing countries. We extend our gratitude to all participants and speakers for their invaluable contributions. We are particularly grateful to our Chair, Olivia Windham Stewart, and to Hotel Casa Amsterdam for their support in hosting the event. Learn more about the discussions at the All Signatory Meeting: https://lnkd.in/eBd5Nv8E 📸 Photos: Jelle Draper #PakistanAccord #BizHumanRights #AllSignatoryMeeting2025

Today marks twelve years since the Rana Plaza collapse in Dhaka, Bangladesh — a tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 1,138 garment workers and left thousands more injured. We remember and honour those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and all who continue to bear the physical and emotional aftermath of one of the deadliest industrial disasters in recent history. This day is a solemn reminder of the human cost of unsafe working conditions. The Accord, alongside its signatories, partners, and stakeholders, remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring safe and healthy workplaces for all garment and textile workers, where no one fears a building collapse or workplace accident. We encourage more brands to join the Accord and ensure worker health and safety in their supply chains. Learn how brands can sign on: https://lnkd.in/ek-R8hSd IndustriALL Global Union | UNI Global Union Image: Shutterstock

According to International Labour Organization, the textile, garment, leather and shoe sector employs over 60 million workers, with a significant portion being women. The sector is the largest employer of women workers among all industrial sectors. Trade unions, industry leaders, and activists met at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (#UNCSW69) Forum to push for legally binding agreements that protect women workers in the textile and garment industry. Hosted by IndustriALL Global Union, the event shed light on the ongoing struggles of garment workers, particularly women, and the urgent need for greater corporate accountability in global supply chains. Said IndustriALL textile and garment director Christina Hajagos-Clausen: "Women in the garment industry continue to face exploitation and dangerous working conditions. The only way to ensure real change is through binding agreements that hold brands accountable. "Agreements like the International Accord, the Agreement to Support Collectively Bargained Wages in the Garment, Textile, Footwear and Travel goods Industry in Cambodia, negotiated under the ACT (Action, Collaboration, Transformation) initiative, and global framework agreements are examples of binding agreements that have impact on women garment workers." #GarmentWorkersNeedUnions

🚀 #NowHiring: The International Accord Secretariat is seeking applicants for the position of Data Officer. 📍 Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands 🕒 Type: Full-time 📅 Application Deadline: 31 March 2025 🔗 More details: https://lnkd.in/emTMWvhk #JobAlert #Hiring #DataJobs

#NowHiring: The Pakistan Accord is seeking a Training Specialist for its Workplace Programs. 📍 Location: Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan 🕒 Type: Full-time 📅 Application Deadline: 10 March 2025 More details: https://lnkd.in/d9hKzcG9 #JobAlert #EngineeringJobs #KarachiJobs #LahoreJobs #PakistanAccord

📣 The Pakistan Accord is now on LinkedIn! The Pakistan Accord is a legally binding agreement between global trade unions, IndustriALL Global Union & UNI Global Union and 130+ clothing brands to ensure worker health and safety in Pakistan's textile and garment industry. It is implemented as a country program under the International Accord framework agreement. ➡️ Follow the Pakistan Accord's new LinkedIn page for updates on key developments, insights into activities and ongoing progress at factories, as well as the latest updates from our teams in Karachi and Lahore: https://lnkd.in/eknCw_jC #PakistanAccord #WorkplaceSafety #WorkerSafety | Zulfiqar Shah, Joris Oldenziel

Factories inspected under the Pakistan Accord are taking vital steps to enhance fire, electrical, and structural safety within their facilities. Key efforts to mitigate safety risks include: 🔹 Reinforcing overstressed columns to strengthen structural integrity and prevent collapse. 🔹 Fixing cracks in walls to ensure the building's strength. 🔹 Upgrading electrical panels to minimise fire hazards and accidents. 🔹 Implementing essential fire safety measures, such as secure exits and handrails, to facilitate safe evacuations. The Pakistan Accord remains dedicated to ensuring worker safety standards and fostering safer workplaces in the textile and garment industry. Read more about the common safety issues and their ongoing remediation: https://lnkd.in/e_hANAMj 📢 Follow the new Pakistan Accord LinkedIn page to stay updated on the latest news and updates from the Accord programs in Pakistan. #PakistanAccord #WorkplaceSafety #BuildingSafety