Back To The Future? Mature Systems Of Industrial Relations Approaches And Social Upgrading In Outsourced Apparel Supply Chains
Miller Doug, 2010
Name of publisher/editor
Capturing the Gains Working Paper
Geographic area
Global
Summary & key words
As the auditing model for assuring social compliance in apparel commodity chains continues to be called into question, the global quest continues for institutions, policies and governance structures which can contribute towards the protection of worker rights, the attainment of decent work and an upgrading of working conditions and competencies. One such model, promoted by the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation, calls for the installation of mature systems of industrial relations (MSIR) based on trade union recognition, procedural agreements and collective bargaining. This working paper charts the origins of MSIR, and deconstructs the approach into its constituent elements and critically assesses these against the backdrop of governance debates in outsourced apparel production. Some conclusions and recommendations are drawn for a future research agenda on this aspect of social upgrading.