Qadri: The garment sector is witnessing significant progress in complying with decent work standards

The JCI, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and through the "Better Work Jordan" program, held several seminars and activities aimed at improving working conditions in the garment sector. One of these events, the "Resilient Threads " : Collective Action Against Suicide in the Garment Sector" , on September 2024 and addressed mental health issues among workers. The seminar shed light on the challenges faced by workers, discussing working conditions and the importance of providing a supportive work environment for mental health. Additionally, the second meeting of the technical committee, which includes various stakeholders, was held to discuss the findings of a study on enhancing the sector's reputation and workers' rights.

Eng. Ihab Qadri, a board member of the JCI and representative of the leather and garment sector, emphasized that the garment sector in Jordan has shown significant indicators of compliance with decent work standards and providing an appropriate environment for its workers across various aspects. He noted that annual reports from the Better Work program clearly indicate that, over the past decade, the garment sector has seen improvement in its compliance with different aspects of decent work.

Qadri also pointed out that the garment sector in Jordan has a unique status that has helped elevate its level of compliance and work environment. Several entities oversee the sector, contributing to improved working conditions in Jordan, including the Ministry of Labour, international organizations, particularly the ILO's Better Work program, the National Center for Human Rights, and regular follow-ups by the Chamber. This has made the sector more attractive to labor, which is evidenced by the significant increase in employment rates within the sector, particularly among Jordanians, over the past decade, in contrast to other sectors.

The ILO, through its Better Work Jordan program, noted that the "Flexible Threads" seminar was held to address any challenges related to workers' mental health, especially women and migrant workers. The seminar gathered key stakeholders, including leading investors, the Ministry of Labor (MoL), the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), the Jordan Garments, Accessories & Textiles Exporters' Association (JGATE), and the World Health Organization (WHO), reflecting the sector-wide commitment to tackling this pressing issue.

The seminar featured expert speakers from the fields of psychiatry, addiction treatment, and law, shedding light on the complex intersections between mental health, workplace stress, and legal obligations. Participant’s actionable practical solutions to create a healthier work environment, addressing the psychological toll on workers and the legal frameworks required to ensure companies protect employee well-being. In an open dialogue, stakeholders explored how industry leaders can contribute to reducing suicide rates and improving mental health services in the sector. Discussions emphasized building accountability systems and ensuring that mental health becomes a core workplace priority.

Key recommendations included developing factory-level mental health policies, improving access to support services, and reducing stigma around mental health issues. Experts proposed a co-funded initiative across factories to provide mental health services, training senior management to recognize and address concerns, and promoting open communication to ensure workers feel safe discussing their mental health without fear of repercussions.

In addition to the seminar, The Technical Committee for Monitoring and Following Up on the Status of Textile and Garment Factories held its second meeting in collaboration with the Better Work Jordan Programme of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The meeting gathered key stakeholders from the Ministry of Labor (MoL), Jordanian Garments, Accessories and Textiles Exporters' Association (JGATE), the General Trade Union of Workers in Textile, Garment and Clothing Industries, and other key sectoral entities. 

Added to, the meeting focused on addressing key challenges in the garment sector and proposed solutions such as establishment of an early warning system and an emergency fund to protect workers' rights. It also called for enhanced cooperation to support struggling factories and develop performance indicators to ensure compliance with international standards and protect the sector's reputation.

It is noteworthy that the garment sector holds the largest share in terms of job opportunities, with more than 89,000 workers, most of whom are Jordanians, exceeding 28,000 workers. Remarkably, the number of Jordanians employed in the sector has risen by more than 250% compared to a decade ago, making it a labor-intensive sector and a promising source of employment for Jordanians