At the plenary of the European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for the Textile and Clothing industry, ultra-fast fashion and fair competition were among the main topics. Participants discussed recent developments in customs reform, the new e-commerce duty of 3 euros per item and market surveillance. They highlighted the high social cost of ultra-fast fashion.

Industrial policy and public procurement were another key focus. The social partners discussed the role of textiles as a key pillar of European industry. Discussion then turned to how public procurement, meaning the goods and services public authorities buy, can boost demand in the EU, promote high-quality products made in Europe and support quality jobs. A representative from DG GROW, the Commission’s department for industry, contributed to this discussion.

Turning to skills, the social partners discussed current and future needs and how to prepare the sector’s future workforce.

Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of industriAll Europe, said:

“Europe will never build a competitive, sustainable textile industry by cutting corners on workers’ rights and working conditions. We need fair competition, an ambitious industrial policy and real investment in skills, so that quality jobs stay at the heart of our sector. That is where social dialogue comes in. When trade unions and employers work together, we shape the future of this sector and make sure the green and digital transitions deliver for workers and companies alike.”

The plenary took stock of almost three years of cooperation under ‘Stitch Together’, an EU-funded project. EURATEX and industriAll Europe presented its main lessons ahead of the project’s final event on 22 October.

The meeting ended with a discussion on next steps for social dialogue in the sector and on possible new joint initiatives.