The workshop discussed the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions of the textile and clothing sectors and how to ensure a just transition where no region or worker is left behind. Participants included representatives from brands and manufacturers, employers and trade unions from Europe and from countries like Bangladesh, Brazil and South Africa, coming together to tackle the challenges affecting the sector at a global level.
The workshop , part of a wider ILO project on decent work, stressed the need for ongoing skills development, including upskilling and reskilling, new digital and green skills with a strong role for social partners in establishing skills needs both now and for the twin transitions of the sector. 

The role of quality social dialogue and examples of best practice from Vietnam to Finland were presented, with quality social dialogue being central. 

The EU Textiles Strategy and the EU Transition Pathway for the textile ecosystem was discussed in detail as it includes all products on the EU market, including those made abroad. The textile and clothing sector aims to become more sustainable, circular and digital which will impact how these products are made from start to finish. Trade unions hope that the sector will become more inclusive during this transition, which is a huge challenge considering dimension of the sector, that employs more than 90 million workers worldwide. 

Participants discussed the social, economical and technological elements of the twin transitions while stressing the need to leave no one behind. Important tools such as strengthening tripartite social dialogue, creating a level playing field for all and a specific focus on SMEs were discussed. The role of brands was also highlighted with Inditex present who have a Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL Global Union. 

Judith Kirton-Darling, industriAll Europe’s general secretary said: “The twin green and digital transitions of the textile sector worldwide is a huge challenge that needs the effort of all social partners. We want to safeguard jobs and create good, green jobs with decent conditions. This is the core of the Just Transition effort”.

Participants raised the need for job protection and an investment plan for the upskilling and reskilling of workers. The benefits of creating partnerships for skills development and lifelong learning between companies and VET providers was also highlighted with good examples presented such as the dual system in Austria. 

The workshop was a great step towards international collaboration between key stakeholders in the process of creating a just transition through skills development and investments, with social dialogue recognized as a necessity to be pushed forward. 

“Anticipating change is essential in preparing for the transition and social dialogue is key to this. We need to anticipate change as social partners in order to ensure that preparations can be made so that no one is left behind. This workshop was a great first step in sharing positive experiences of what we are doing at European level with our international colleagues. The textiles and clothing sector has a long international supply chain and international cooperation is key to ensuring a Just Transition for all.” added Judith Kirton-Darling