IndustriAll Global Union affiliate the Industrial Federation of Textile Leather Garment Workers Trade Union (IFTLGWTU) is carrying out Covid-19 awareness campaigns aimed at its members in garment and textile factories in Ethiopia, where it is concerned by the slow pace at which some factories are reacting to the pandemic.

Posters on prevention, sanitisers provided by IndustriAll Global Union and Mondiaal FNV, and soap have been distributed to 28 factories.

The campaign is being broadcast via mainstream media, including television stations run by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and Walta Broadcasting in order to effectively relay the message to as many workers as possible. 

Over 2,500 cases of Covid-19 have been reported with 35 deaths in the country, according to IndustriAll.

Angesome Yohannes, IFTLGWTU president says: “Covid-19 is a global pandemic that is spreading at an alarming rate causing huge social and economic disruptions.  As a union, this is the time for joint efforts to minimise the impact. When workers get sick, the consequences for them and their families are dire as the pandemic increases job insecurity and slows down economies.”

The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions, to which IFTLGWTU is a member, signed a Covid-19 workplace response protocol with the government and employers in March. The protocol outlines how factories should respond to the pandemic. IFTLGWU has set up health and safety committees at factories. However, the union is concerned by the slow pace at which some factories are adhering to health and safety standards to stop Covid-19.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Paule France Ndessomin, IndustriAll regional secretary for Sub Saharan Africa adds: “We applaud the efforts by unions in Ethiopia to curb the spread of Covid-19. The pandemic will only be overcome through collective efforts. For this to happen, unions, employers and government must work together.”

This article was first published by the IndustriAll global union.

Just Style Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Style Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now