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Unique partnership aims to improve labour standards and supply chain competiveness

Focus on scalable and sustainable solutions gains momentum

Better Work is a unique partnership program between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation ( IFC ). Launched in February 2007, it aims to improve labour standards and competitiveness in global supply chains. Better Work involves the development of both global tools and country level projects. The focus is on scalable and sustainable solutions which build cooperation between government, employer and worker organizations, and international buyers.

Improving labour standards in global supply chains is an important part of a pro-poor development strategy. Ensuring workers’ rights and entitlements are protected help distribute the benefits of trade. Better Work supports enterprises in implementing the ILO core international labour standards and national labour law. This helps enterprises compete in global markets where many buyers demand compliance with labour standards from their suppliers. Improved labour standards also helps enterprises be more competitive through higher productivity and quality. These benefits help build the business case and supplier support for improved labour standards.  Further information on the program can be found in the following fact sheet and also on the program website at www.betterwork.org . 

•  Better Work Intiative Fact Sheet International Finance Corporation & International Labour Organization 01 Feb 2007 [pdf, 49 KB]

by Ros Harvey