Campaign on Return on Prevention and Occupational Safety in the Textile Sector

The project was aimed at positively contributing to the textile sector of Punjab and its workforce by promoting the concept of “Return on Prevention.” The concept has advantages for both the textile owners and workers. The project highlighted and promoted linkages between better working conditions and productivity for the key decision makers and influencers within the textile sector of Punjab to create a win-win situation for both workers and owners. The project also showcased to government counterparts, i.e. the labor departments, textile industry and development sector, in case study formats on how cost incurred against better working conditions is an investment for improved productivity and greater income.

The project was based on the premise that strengthened capacity of relevant stakeholders in the field of labour standards within the textile and garment sector in Punjab in return will help improving labour standards for workers and educating employers in improving working conditions within their factories. It is important to note that agriculture and large-scale manufacturing are the backbone of Pakistan’s USD 300 Billion economy contributing more than 30% to the total GDP and employing almost two-thirds the total workforce. Barring seasonal and cyclical fluctuations, textiles products have maintained two-thirds share in national exports. Pakistan is also the fourth largest cotton producer with an inherent advantage of longest production value chain. From cotton to ginning, spinning, fabric, dyeing and finishing, made-ups and garments, each stage of value chain is a huge sector in itself with a lot of potential for further growth.