White paper
Spotlight on Home Textile Workers’ Hardships
Pakistan’s home textile industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming a major global player. However, despite its economic importance, the industry is plagued by a host of challenges that adversely affect the lives of workers. The white paper Threads of Struggle, developed by Swedwatch and AwazCDS-Pakistan, aims to delve into these challenges and propose potential solutions to improve the working conditions.
The findings are mainly based on interviews with workers from home textile factories located in the district of Faisalabad, Pakistan, conducted by AwazCDS-Pakistan during 2023 (see more under Methodology). Please find a summary of the challenges experienced by the workers below and download the paper for the full version.
According to Swedwatch and AwazCDS-Pakistan, a more proactive approach from all stakeholders, especially suppliers and buyers but also unions and government, is needed to resolve current unsustainable working conditions pervading the industry. The white paper presents a list of suggested measures for improved working conditions, including health and safety and work-life balance aspects, and will be followed by more thorough analysis and recommendations targeting the various stakeholder groups. Follow Swedwatch on social media to stay tuned.
Common challenges for factory workers
✔️Employment Conditions
Home textile workers in Pakistan often lack formal employment contracts, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Many workers are employed on a daily basis, receiving lower wages and fewer benefits than permanent employees. This creates a legal grey area where factories may be exploiting workers to avoid providing required protections.
✔️Compensation and Benefits
Workers often face long working hours, inadequate compensation, and limited benefits. Wages are typically low and insufficient to meet basic needs, and women – making up a significant number of the workforce – often earn less. The pay gap can be up to 50%.
Many workers are aware that they have the right to be compensated for overtime, but face significant obstacles in claiming the pay, particularly in the absence of formal contracts.
In a factory, the rights for men and women should be the same. But there is differentiation here. They make women work more. /Home textile worker, Faisalabad
✔️Health and Safety
Despite improvements, due to among other collaboration with the labour department and the implementation of compliance audits, health and safety condition are still bad and significantly effecting workers’ well-being. Overcrowded factories with poor ventilation and sanitation are common, as are limited breaks, restricted access to clean drinking water, and harassment by managers, especially women.
Another significant problem is the lack of proper safety measures and equipment, including safety gear, which exposes workers to potential injuries and potential illnesses.
✔️Training and Development
Workers, and especially women, have limited access to training and development, which hinders skills development and career advancement. Additionally, many workers are unaware of their legal rights and grievance mechanisms available to them. This lack of awareness, coupled with a fear of retaliation, often prevents workers from reporting issues and advocating for their rights.
✔️Unionisation
There is a lack of support for union formation, making it difficult for workers to organise and collectively advocate for their rights. Many workers are simply unaware of their rights and the benefits of union membership, while those who are aware often fear retaliation from employers. Additionally, existing unions may lack the resources and influence needed to effectively address workers’ issues and push for meaningful changes.
There are no functional unions in the factories, only paperwork is completed to avoid inspections. Anyone who joins a union is fired from service, even employees who speak up for their rights are also fired. /Home textile worker, Faisalabad
Download the paper:
We have been made mental slaves, the concept of what to do if there is a problem has been removed from us./ Home textile worker, Faisalabad
