Stitch Together Project: Fostering Social Partnerships in Europe's Textile Industry
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- Published: Monday, 27 May 2024 11:55
Supported by the European Commission, the Stitch Together project emerges as a beacon of hope for the European textiles and clothing industry. In collaboration with EURATEX and industriAll Europe, this ambitious initiative sets out on a two-year journey to promote social partnerships across the continent.
The textile and clothing sector in Europe stands at a critical juncture, facing the dual challenge of global competition and the urgent need for sustainable practices. The Stitch Together project acknowledges these pressing concerns while championing the values of decent working conditions and quality social dialogue. It aims to catalyze a paradigm shift within the industry, fostering constructive engagement between employers and trade unions.
Spanning seven countries with rich textile legacies—Belgium, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Türkiye—the project represents a collective effort to revitalize the industry. Through a series of seminars and capacity-building workshops, stakeholders will be empowered to navigate the complexities of modernization while upholding social responsibility.
Dirk Vantyghem, director general of EURATEX, hails the initiative as a timely endeavor. He emphasizes the pivotal role of constructive social dialogue in the EU's industrial agenda, aligning with the ethos of the Stitch Together project.
Judith Kirton-Darling, secretary general of industriAll Europe, echoes Vantyghem's sentiment, emphasizing the indispensable nature of quality social dialogue. For Kirton-Darling, the success of Europe's green and digital transition hinges on the inclusivity and fairness of this transformation—a vision that Stitch Together seeks to realize.
At its core, the Stitch Together project embodies the principles of sustainability and inclusivity. By fostering collaboration and mutual understanding, it aims to lay the foundation for a more resilient and equitable textile industry in Europe. Moreover, by actively involving social partners in EU policy-making, the project aspires to drive systemic change, paving the way for sustainable and circular practices across the sector.
As the project unfolds, stakeholders anticipate tangible outcomes that transcend rhetoric and manifest as real improvements on the ground. With collective effort and unwavering commitment, Stitch Together endeavors to weave a brighter future for Europe's textile industry—one characterized by innovation, sustainability, and social cohesion.