The ILO-IFC Better Work programme: improving working conditions and promoting competitiveness in global supply chains

Tuesday, 24 April 2012 - Webinar convened by the ILO and the UN Global Compact Office

Better Work is a unique partnership programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) uniting the expertise of the ILO in labour standards with that of the IFC in private sector development. The programme aims to improve both compliance with labour standards and competitiveness in global supply chains. Currently operational in seven countries, Better Work helps to address the challenges faced by the main actors in global supply chains: international buyers eager to come up with an alternative model to the high costs and ineffectiveness often associated with supplier auditing, and enterprises in the supply chain looking to increase their competitiveness on the global markets.

The webinar will introduce how Better Work engages managers and workers in the supplier companies in factory-level assessments, advisory and training services, and how national Project Advisory Committees promote local ownership of improvements in compliance with international core labour standards and national labour law. It will also focus on the development process of sustainable solutions that build cooperation between governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations and international buyers.

The webinar will also illustrate on how Better Work strategically engages with international Buyer Partners, both on the programme itself and with the national stakeholders to drive change within the whole export apparel industry, through the promotion of the ILO Decent Work agenda, transparency, collaboration and accountability.

The webinar is taking place on Tuesday 24 April 2012 at 9:30 (New York time) and 3:30 PM (Geneva time). Participation is open to all but registration is required. Please register via the United Nations Global Compact page. Registered participants will receive a confirmation message together with the instructions for webinar participation.

For more information on the Better Work Programme, please go to www.betterwork.org