IFC in partnership with International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the Better Work Program in August 2006 with the goal of improving labor standards and competitiveness in global supply chains. The program involves the development of both global tools and country-level projects. It offers sustainable solutions that build cooperation between government, employer and worker organizations, and international buyers.
Better Work supports enterprises in improving their labor standards based on national labor law and core ILO labor standards, which are also reflected in IFC Performance Standard 2. This helps enterprises compete in global markets where many buyers demand compliance with labor standards from their suppliers. The program thus focuses on labor intensive industries that are linked to global supply chains and gain a competitive advantage through better labor standards. Relevant industries include: agribusiness, apparel, light manufacturing, transport, construction, and electronics.
Better Work has developed practical tools to help enterprises improve their labor practices and economic performance. These tools are global in scope and adaptable to country and industry specific contexts. Country-level implementation of Better Work will combine independent enterprise assessments with capacity building. Enterprises can then share information with third parties, such as international buyers, through a Buyers Forum and an Information Management System. This allows buyers to reduce their own auditing and redirect resources to resolving problems and developing sustainable solutions.
Sustainability is at the core of Better Work. Prior to implementation, a sustainability strategy for each country is developed. Fees are charged to share costs and Better Work country programs will become independent self-financing institutions after the first five years of implementation. The objective is to build sustainable independent organizations that will continue after funding has stopped. IFC and ILO are also developing a rigorous impact evaluation framework to measure impact at the enterprise, industry and country levels.
For more information please see www.betterwork.org or contact: betterwork@ifc.org.