COVID-19: Worker-driven monitoring and evidence-based social dialogue in Indonesian garment factories

Abstract

Between May 2020 and August 2021, the Data Academy gathered data on the impact of COVID-19 gathered from trade unionists in 194 Indonesian garment factories. The data describes both the COVID impact on the factory floor, such as Occupational Safety and Health, wages, working hours and temporary factory closures. Furthermore, it examines purchasing practices, like reduced orders and delayed payments, and support from buyers. While the findings cover a whole range of subjects, this paper focuses on the impact the COVID crisis has had especially for women workers, occupational health and safety during the pandemic and the impact on the business. The complete data can be found here.

This data arises out of the cooperation between WageIndicator/Gajimu.com, Trade Union Rights Centre (TURC) and Mondiaal FNV pertaining to the Data Academy. Central to this approach is ‘worker-driven monitoring’ and strengthening unions for an ‘evidence-based approach to social dialogue’. The Data Academy trains trade union officials to collect data from co-workers on working conditions in their factories and to use this data to negotiate with employers for better working conditions.