There has been little progress made in the protracted negotiations to create a new body to replace the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT), which ended at the end of 2021 and focused on promoting sustainability and ethical practises within the industry.
The parties concerned, which included corporate, labour, and non-governmental organisation (NGOs) representatives, were unable to agree on the possible agreement’s parameters. The bargaining process has ended as a result.
Prominent trade organisations like INretail and Modint, unions like CNV and FNV, and non-profits like Solidaridad and UNICEF were among the participants.
The negotiation process was terminated because the parties involved “could not agree on the scope of the possible agreement,” according to the Social and Economic Council of Netherlands (SER). Despite this setback, the parties are still dedicated to exploring additional bilateral partnerships and collaborations that address the pressing problems affecting the textile supply chain.
At the end of 2021, corporations, trade unions, and NGOs started talking about exploring a new agreement with the goal of creating one to advance human rights, international labour rights, the environment, and animal welfare in the apparel and textile industry.
Parties jointly looked to drive leadership on responsible business conduct due diligence, aligned with the OECD Guidelines and the UNGPs on business and human rights.
