Better Work Bangladesh (BWB)-enrolled apparel factories have witnessed higher export volumes and revenues while receiving higher prices than non-participating ones, showcasing the economic benefits of improved compliance.
Such apparel units also reported higher wages, timely payments and better job satisfaction, according to a latest report.
"On average, in the period following enrolment, factories' export revenues increase by 55 per cent and volumes are 50 per cent higher than non-BWB factories," it cites.
This report showcases BWB's journey from 2014 to 2024, highlighting its transformative impact on workplace safety, labour rights and business competitiveness in the Bangladeshi garment industry.
Beyond having a greater number of buyers and higher order volumes, according to an analysis of customs data, factories participating in Better Work gain an average 5.0-per cent premium on product prices for export.
Changes in both export revenue and volume represent a continuation of the trajectories of BWB and non-BWB enterprises studied before the Better Work factories enrolled on the programme.
However, the price increase obtained for products produced by Better Work enrollees represents a clear break from pre-existing trends.
"This suggests that enrolment in Better Work is associated with the ability to secure better prices for one's products," reads the report styled 'The impact of Better Work Bangladesh: A decade's legacy' published in January 2025.
More than 600 female sewing operators trained and nearly 400 women got promoted to supervisory roles through the Gender Equality and Returns (GEAR) programme, it noted.
Workers at factories participating in Better Work earn an hourly wage up to 3.0-4.0 per cent higher than workers in non-participating factories, it found.
Some 103 factories participated in maternity health and protection initiatives, which promote paid maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks, medical benefits and day-care facilities in garment factories.
"There is strong evidence that the work of Better Work Bangladesh has a positive and measurable impact on workers' lives at work and beyond as well as on factories' performance."
Higher wages, fewer work hours, better working conditions, and greater empowerment and agency, reflected by stronger dialogue at work, all contribute to workers in Better Work factories being more productive than those in non-Better Work ones.
Since its launch in 2014, BWB, a joint programme of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has driven significant advancements in workplace safety, worker rights and business competitiveness across 480 garment factories in Bangladesh, impacting over 1.3-million workers, 51 per cent of whom are women.
Key achievements included improved compliance with labour laws, especially in occupational safety and health (OSH).
Factories have made strides in reducing non-compliance rates for emergency preparedness and OSH management, fostering safer workplaces.
Social dialogue mechanisms like participation committees have empowered workers to address workplace issues collaboratively with improved representation and gender balance, according to the report.
Initiatives like the Mothers@Work programme have advanced maternity rights, providing benefits such as daycare and paid leave, which are now more common in participating factories in Bangladesh, it mentioned.
By aligning labour improvements with global trade standards, Better Work has cemented Bangladesh's competitive edge in the global apparel market. Looking ahead, the report outlined priorities such as advancing gender equality, enhancing grievance mechanisms and fostering sustainability.
According to Sheikh HM Mustafiz, managing director of Cute Dress Industry Ltd, BWB-enlisted factories get priority from renowned brands, which generally result in good work orders and prices.
"But I couldn't be specific about the numbers or percentage as I don't have any data in this regard," he told the FE.
Some 48 brands including Disney, American Eagle, C&A, M&S, H&M, Inditex, Puma and VF are partners of the programme.
Mr Mustafiz wants to work with Disney and enrolment on the BWB is a tool to get works from the brand.
On workplace safety and worker rights and lawful benefits, he says it helps factories comply with the local laws and thus meet international standards.
munni_fe@yahoo.com
