Improving Working Conditions
and Productivity in the Garment Industry
Edited by Juan Carlos Hiba and adapted by Dr Rajesh Bheda
Published by Sewing Solutions Society and Contact Communications, the publishers of StitchWorld & Apparel Online.

Price Rs 275+100 handling charges The effect on prices with the dismantling of the MFA on 31 December 2004 is a foregone conclusion. As forecast by almost every economist, prices will drop by 10-15% starting in January ’05 itself. The only way to counter the drop is by increasing productivity to achieve efficient economy of scale. One of the most important factors that will govern exports in the future will be Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which includes ‘Compliance Norms’ in totality. Any vendor aiming to boost his exports post-2004 will have to meet stringent conditions laid down by the buyers. Non-compliance could very well mean extinction in the stiff competition expected from 2005. It is, therefore, imperative that the manufacturer address the two factors supra, viz, CSR and Productivity.

The International Labour Organisation, Geneva, has, over the years, issued widely respected codes of International Labour Conventions and Recommendations on employment, conditions of work, social security, among others. These have been researched, compiled and edited by Juan Carlos Hiba and presented in the form of an Action Manual, titled ‘Improving Working Conditions and Productivity in the Garment Industry’. Written in a simple to understand style and augmented with many visual illustrations, the Manual proves that improving working conditions invariably results in increased productivity and competitiveness. It deals with topics like efficient storage and handling of material, ergonomics and product design, man-machine safety, environmental control, organising and controlling work using models like the Kanban system to ensure sustainable improvements, greater worker involvement and how these factors contribute towards productivity. A highly articulate book, it leads the reader easily from one topic to the next cogently and in a structured format that remains etched in the reader’s mind.

The Manual has been launched under the aegis of Contact Communications, the publishers of StitchWorld, a technology magazine for the sewn product industry and Apparel Online, the fortnightly news magazine for the apparel and textile industry and among others.

The Manual is on offer at a very low price, as it is not targeted only at the owners and managers of large or medium sized concerns, but also at the middle managerial levels. It is equally focussed at the smaller sized industries. Moreover, there are many aspects that are not confined to the clothing industry alone and can find useful application in almost every type of factory.

We shall be happy to supply the book to you through courier (in India only, Rs. 275 +100 handling) on receipt of your order along with the Demand Draft drawn in favour of Contact Communications, New Delhi or Cheque, which may be sent to us at the address given below.
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