The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation (ITGLWF) has welcomed the signing of a collective agreement between the Grupo M clothing manufacturer and the union representing workers at the jeans manufacturing facility located in the Ouanaminthe export processing zone on the border with the Dominican Republic, eighteen months after a major labour dispute at the plant.
The agreement was signed on December 13, following several months of negotiations, between management at the Codevi Free Trade Zone (Grupo M) and the SOCOWA workers' union, affiliated with the May First Batay Ouvriye Union Federation.
Wages were the main focus of the negotiations, which resulted in an increase in the base salary from the equivalent to 10 US$ a week raised to 21 US$ a week, with an additional agreement to raise salaries 45% over a period of three years, taking into account rates of inflation and currency devaluation as specifically stipulated in the national labour legislation.
Other provisions touch upon union recognition, health and safety, maternity protection and protection from sexual harassment.
Grupo M is a well known international company in the textile industry at the forefront of progress in the design, manufacturing and finishing of casual and fashion wear for the top brands as well as private label.
The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation is an International Trade Secretariat bringing together 217 affiliated organisations in 110 countries.
International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation
marketing@alchempro.com
