Isn’t it the job of government to protect workers?

Yes – we believe it is the role of governments to make and enforce laws that protect the rights of workers. This should create the environment in which workers are free to join trade unions and bargain with their employers.

But - the reality for workers is often very far from this ideal. In many countries:

• law enforcement aimed at protecting workers is weak
• the environment is hostile to trade union organisation
• few of the predominantly women workers in the garment and agricultural industries are trade union members.

ETI and our members can play a vital role in helping improve law enforcement, as well as promoting freedom of association for workers through their code implementation activities.