The European Union (EU) announced support with contribution of €3m to the G7’s “Vision Zero Fund” to improve working conditions and labour standard and establish sustainable business practices in producing countries including Bangladesh.
The EU made the announcement ahead of a meeting with the G7 employment and development ministers held in Berlin on Monday, said a EU statement posted on its website.
The fund will support joint activities of governments, businesses, social partners and NGOs in low-income countries to reduce and prevent workplace-related deaths, improve labour inspections, ensure fair production and help workers exercise their rights, it added.
The first pilot activities will start in 2016, focusing on the ready-made garment sectors of selected producing countries.
Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, and Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, in charge of employment, social affairs, skills and labour mobility, will today announce a EU contribution for the G7’s “Vision Zero Fund”.
“Global supply chains are key generators of economic growth and decent work. However, all too often they include unregulated or unsafe work environments, poor industrial relations and compromised workers’ rights, said Mimica.
“That’s why we’re proud to support the G7 initiative with a €3 million contribution. We want to do all we can to turn this situation around and ensure a fair, level playing field for our businesses and the people who work in them,” he said.
“Every year, 2.3m people die from work-related accidents or diseases around the world.” Commissioner Thyssen underlined. “We are committed to preventing human suffering and economic costs linked to unsafe workplaces across Europe and abroad,” said Thyssen.
The G7’s Vision Zero Fund will contribute to improving working conditions and reducing the health and safety risks, he added.