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| Switcher |
In response to worldwide concerns about quality,
environmental protection, and social accountability in the apparel
industry, Switcher
– the Swiss-based manufacturer and marketer of clothes under
the Switcher and Whale brands, teamed with its manufacturing-exporter
partner Prem Group to adopt SA-8000 standards in its facility in India.
In complying with SA-8000
standards, Prem Group put into place a set of accountability procedures
for workplace environment (e.g., lighting, heat reduction, noise abatement,
improved air quality, a snack bar), human development (e.g., training,
opportunities for internal promotion, team-building) and working conditions
(now set in collaboration with labor unions). Work contracts for all
employees guaranteeing yearlong employment and health and retirement
plans have also been established.
Better working conditions, human development policy, and improved
work environment are believed to have had a direct impact on absenteeism
and workforce turnover. Absenteeism among tailors, helpers, checkers,
cutters, iron masters, and finishers dropped from an average of 20%
in 2000 to an average of 9% in the first 6 months of 2001. Turnover
was also reduced by close to half — from 8.5% to 4.7%.
Overall, significant improvements in output, quality, employee turnover
and cost of extra hours coincide with better working conditions implemented
to comply with SA-8000 standards.
In 2002, Switcher/Prem Group received Social
Accountability International’s Corporate Conscience Award
for outstanding SA-8000 implementation.
For more information, contact Caroline
Chuard
++41 21 641 41 41.
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