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Technical Cooperation Project Summary

Project Title

Better Work Lesotho

Region/Country

Lesotho

Project Duration

September 2009- March 2014

Funding Level

FY 09, $1.96M

Problem to be Addressed

The high incidence of HIV/AIDS in the manufacturing sector jeopardizes the sustainability of the industry. The impact of the global financial crisis has caused significant layoffs, an escalation in unemployment, and a decline in orders. Collective bargaining is rare and social dialogue between all stakeholders needs to be improved. The labor courts are over burdened because dispute resolution is not common practice. Workers cannot be unionized as a significant portion is contracted by the factories on a temporary basis.

Targets

Employers and workers from participating factories.

Project Objectives
  • Strengthen the capacity of workers’ and employers’ organizations to engage in social dialogue.
  • Demonstrate progress in improving enterprise compliance with labor standards and economic performance.
  • Strengthen the knowledge base to develop initiatives in other sectors/areas.

Summary of Activities
  • Adapt the Better Work Compliance Assessment Tool to the Lesotho context and make it available in the appropriate languages.
  • Make training, resources, and tools based on assessment reports to support remediation available.
  • Establish governance and consultative structure through the tripartite committee.
  • Conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment of compliance needs in all participating factories.

Partner Organizations

Executing Agency: International Labor Organization

Implementing and Collaborating Agencies: International Finance Corporation

Contact Information

Office of Trade and Labor Affairs
Trade Agreement Administration and Technical Cooperation Division
Rakiyah Canty
202.693.4794