What we do

Paving the way for living wages through action, collaboration, and transformation.

ACT brings together brands, trade unions and manufacturers to enable long-term improvements in wages and working conditions in the global garment industry. 

As a joint initiative between IndustriALL Global Union and international brands and retailers ACT is uniquely placed to focus on systemic transformation through joint responsibility and establish supply chain industrial relations as the driver to ensure workers and their families can enjoy higher standards of living through higher wages and improved working conditions.

Practically this means bringing together brands, manufacturers and trade unions to:

• Jointly develop and implement responsible sourcing and purchasing practices to set a foundation for industry transformation.
• Establish Binding Agreements on wages in the form of Collective Bargaining Agreements  and on the role and commitments of brands in supporting CBAs.
• Strengthen Freedom of Association as a key due diligence obligation and driving force for collective bargaining.

These foundations are crucial to reach sustainable wage improvements and establish the structures needed to pave the way to living wages.

Freedom of Association (FOA) is the internationally recognised human right of workers to form and join organisations of their own choosing.

FOA is a prerequisite to collective bargaining and an enabler of higher wages in and of itself. Respect of FOA provides workers with the voice and representation to negotiate collectively with employers on terms and conditions of work, including wages and benefits. 

ACT member brands and IndustriALL Global Union have agreed on the following principles and framework for action:

• Workers must be free and able to exercise their right to organize and bargain collectively in accordance with ILO Conventions.
• A joint approach is needed where all participants in global supply chains assume their respective responsibilities in achieving freedom of association.
• ACT members will provide capacity building, including training of managers and workers on freedom of association and collective bargaining.
• ACT members commit to design strategies on how to proactively promote freedom of association.

ACT members are engaged in discussions about ensuring Freedom of Association. Read more about particular issues: