Women workers in two Indonesian garment factories have achieved a landmark victory with the signing of the Central Java Agreement for Gender Justice, a union-led initiative to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH).
Negotiated by four unions SPN, SPSI, and KASBI with support from the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA), and Global Labor Justice (GLJ), the agreement establishes a binding framework to prevent GBVH, modeled after similar agreements in India and Lesotho.
The factories, owned by Ontide and producing for US brands like Fanatics and Nike, employ 6,250 workers. Investigations by WRC in 2021 and 2022 revealed widespread abuse, leading to immediate remedial actions and the agreement's negotiation. The deal ensures enforcement through apparel buyers' commitments to ethical sourcing.
“This agreement is the result of years of struggle by women workers against harassment and oppression. It sets a precedent for the entire industry,” said Egye Gumilang of PSP SPN PT Batang Apparel Indonesia.
Ontide, alongside unions and global labor groups, is implementing measures to ensure a safe and dignified workplace. “A fair, violence-free workplace benefits everyone,” said Sekarsari Dewi, PUK-F.SPTSK-K.SPSI PT Batang Apparel.
“This agreement makes Ontide one of the safest places for women workers globally,” added Jessica Champagne of WRC. Labor leaders call on brands worldwide to adopt similar models, ensuring garment supply chains are free from abuse.
