TOGETHER FOR CHANGE IN THE GLOBAL GARMENT INDUSTRY

How does STITCH operate?

The global textile and garment industry is one of the world’s largest and most significant. With a vast and complex sphere of influence, the industry -- especially brands’ business practices and the extent of government regulation around them -- plays a key role in determining working and living conditions for people around the globe. Our goal is to redefine the future of the industry: a production chain in which textile workers, mainly women, can shape their employment conditions; where successful collective bargaining happens at the factory, national and sectoral levels; and where gender equality, living wages, fair prices, and decent work become the standard for all. 

Between us, we have access to all the key value chain stakeholders and actors, from trade unions and labour rights organisations, to suppliers, employers’ associations, brands and local governments. Drawing from our partners’ demonstrated track record in creating better labour conditions, we will influence attitudes, levels of awareness, and behaviour to drive meaningful change for workers and the industry at large.

We collectively stand up for better working conditions and adherence to labour rights by:

  • Capacitating suppliers to improve their social dialogue with workers and governments and sourcing dialogue with brands

  • Working with local unions and labour rights organisations on collective bargaining to influence higher wages and decent work

  • Engaging with brands towards more responsible business, leveraging the crucial role they play in making the industry more ethical and sustainable

  • Advocating for a legislative framework that creates higher levels of accountability on better working conditions and remuneration for companies sourcing in production countries

  • Lobbying, campaigning, and convening to influence the regulatory framework being developed at EU and national levels as part of human rights due diligence by companies.

STITCH is active in garment-producing countries across Asia, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, and has developed a regional approach for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.