The future of work in textiles, clothing, leather and footwear
This working paper on the future of work in textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) has been prepared for ILO constituents and other key actors in the TCLF industries to facilitate their discussions in the centennial year of the ILO and beyond.
This paper explores how technological advances, climate change, globalization and changing demographics will shape industries in the future. It then analyses the challenges and opportunities these drivers and megatrends bring for the realization of decent work. This is followed by a discussion of the future of TCLF production in three different categories of countries. The paper concludes with a call for action to shape a future that works for all – for the tens of thousands of mostly small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the millions of mostly young women workers that produce the clothes, shoes, and accessories we all wear.
