Better Work Branch (BETTERWORK)

Better Work – a collaboration between the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group – is a comprehensive programme bringing together all levels of the garment industry to improve working conditions, respect of workers’ labour rights and boost the competitiveness of apparel and footwear businesses.

In addition to engaging directly with factories, Better Work collaborates with governments to align national labour laws with the ILO’s international labour standards and to build the capacity of labour inspectors to enforce compliance. We work closely with global apparel brands to ensure progress at the factory level is sustained.

We collaborate with employer and worker organizations to provide them with data and insights from the industry, and we work with unions to build their capacity to strengthen workers’ voices. And, we work with development partners to help achieve their broader development goals.

As a result of their participation in Better Work, factories have steadily improved compliance with the ILO’s core labour standards and national legislation covering compensation, contracts, occupational safety and health (OSH) and working time. This has significantly improved working conditions and, at the same time, enhanced factories’ productivity and profitability.

Learn more about the Better Work programme, its partners and results