The role of textile industry in providing decent work: the case of almeda textile factory (altex), Ethiopia

Industrial development has immense potential for providing decent work for a large number of people. Particularly, the textile industry creates ample jobs for urban dwellers. In the context of Ethiopia, there have not been adequate studies that investigated the role of the textile and garment industries in providing decent work to people. The objective of this paper was to examine the role of Almeda Textile Factory (ALTEX) in providing decent work to its employees. The target population of the study consisted of 5421 from which a sample of 188 was selected using stratified and systematic random sampling techniques. Primary data were obtained from the target group using structured questionnaires and interview, and were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques and descriptive narration respectively. The findings indicate that in aggregate ALTEX has been providing decent work to its employees when decency was measured in terms of employment opportunity, adequacy of pay, respect of workers’ rights, security of work and provision of safe work environment. However, safety of work environment is relatively inadequate given the considerable number of occupational injuries and the inadequacy of compensation paid for such injuries. Therefore, it is recommended that the company management should enhance its safety standards either through benchmarking similar factories or the support of experts in the area. From the government side, introduction of compulsory insurance system for occupational injuries might ease the financial strain of employers and employees.