Fair working conditions for sewers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The textile and leather industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina employs approximately 40,000 people, the majority of whom are women. Violations to the labour law are on the agenda – appalling wages, unpaid overtime, few social benefits. Solidar Suisse combats this.
Exploited workers
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, clothes and leather products are produced for big brands. Most employees are poorly trained women, who struggle to defend themselves. This fact is shamelessly exploited; for example they must commit to refrain from getting pregnant.
Textiles © Liz West
Training and campaigns
Firstly, we undertook a study of the specific violations of the labour law. We were supported by a task force comprised of Solidar Suisse, our partner organisations Zora from Zenica (Association for social, cultural and creative development) and SEKA from Gorazde (Center for Education, Therapeutic Work and Recreation House) as well as the two trade unions involved from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. Drawing on our findings, we developed measures to improve the situation of the workers. We educated 300 activists from unions and other civil society organisations to put them in a position to handle negotiations on gender equality, wages, and workers’ and human rights. Finally we used a nationwide campaign to raise awareness around the abuses and to build the pressure on the companies and responsible authorities.
Donation for exploited textile workers
With your donation you will support textile workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and help them to develop a strong voice with which to defend their rights.