IMPROVING LABOUR RIGHTS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Ministry of Labour ?
5 . Take heed of the learning in the Oxfam report about how a good policy such as Unilever ’ s policy to increase direct employment in its factory can have unintended consequences , in this case resulting in all 87 new jobs going to male rather than female workers . Consider the implications of any new policy for men and women and consult them separately .
Unilever ’ s improved commitment to improving labour rights across its supply chain includes better dialogue with trade unions , enhanced sourcing policies and building more trust between workers and management , as well as an aim for more direct employment in its manufacturing operations . This has cumulated in increased job security and employment benefits for Unilever workers in Vietnam .
The study found that wages of a typical semi-skilled worker in Unilever ’ s factory had increased 48 percent between July 2011 and July 2015 , helped by government increases in the minimum wage , but lower skilled workers with dependants said they still struggled to make ends meet .
The percentage of women employed in Unilever ’ s factory was down from 19 percent in 2011 to 13 percent in 2015 while women made up two thirds ( 67 percent ) of those employed by a third party supplier with lower wages and benefits . The report recommends that Unilever steps up its efforts to ensure gender equality in its manufacturing operations and do more to influence the wider system affecting labour rights , from worker representation and business practices to engaging with governments .
Wilshaw concludes : “ Yet huge challenges remain for multinational companies to ensure workers enjoy good jobs on a living wage , with opportunities for women to progress . All too often companies feel pressure to put containing costs above better labour standards . Ways need to be found for workers , farmers and communities to get a fairer share of the value that business generates , and women ’ s empowerment should be embedded in that strategy .”
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