Stitch, the partnership between CNV International, FNV Mondiaal and the Fairwear Foundation in the garment sector, wanted to support companies in better understanding their responsibilities around freedom of association, particularly in countries where trade union rights are often restricted.
“How can we help companies doing business in Bangladesh and Vietnam understand what freedom of association means in practice — and what’s expected of them?”
They needed accessible and credible factsheets tailored to the business audience, with practical relevance.
Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are core labour rights — yet remain under pressure in many sourcing countries. Stitch involving two Dutch trade unions, , working globally on labour rights, aimed to strengthen corporate awareness and due diligence practices. The goal was to translate complex realities into actionable guidance for companies sourcing from Bangladesh, Vietnam, and similar high-risk contexts.
Together with Partnering for Social Impact, Human Rights at Work supported STITCH by:
All content was developed in close collaboration with STITCH partners, incorporating input from their in-country partners.
Dealing with freedom of association in sourcing countries may not be easy. Practical, context-based tools help companies move from vague commitments to meaningful engagement with trade union rights.
We are eager to collaborate with companies that want to make a difference. Whether you are just starting or already more advanced: we help you take next steps to truly make an impact. Feel free to get in touch for an introductory meeting.
