scholarly journals The Legislative Framework for Working Conditions in the Dutch Ready-Made Garment Sector

Yuridika ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 549
Author(s):  
Rosalien A. van ‘t Foort-Diepeveen

This article sets out the legislative framework with regard to labour law provisions concerning working conditions that apply to Dutch employers and employees operating and working in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector in the Netherlands and discusses the challenges that employees may face in the sector. More specifically, this article will focus on the challenges and law applicable to the retail phase and recycling phase in the supply chain of a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. In this respect, an overview of the labour law provisions will be presented that protect a safe working environment for employees working in the sector. Dutch law contains many provisions concerning the protection of employees against poor working conditions. Among others, employers are obliged to maintain a safe working environment and reasonable working hours for their employees. Dutch labour legislation only applies to employees working in the Netherlands and therefore is of little relevance to the manufacturing phase of the RMG supply chain, which takes place abroad. However, several public and private initiatives were taken to stimulate Dutch clothing brands to exert an influence on the working conditions in the RMG producing countries. Two of these initiatives will be discussed in this article. Furthermore, this article will present which social challenges employees may face in the Dutch RMG sector, which comprise gender inequality, including equal pay and equal opportunities to occupy top management positions and co-determination rights.

Author(s):  
Skowron J ◽  
◽  
Zapór L ◽  
Miranowicz-Dzierzawska K ◽  
◽  
...  

The article discusses the principles of determining the maximum admissible concentration and intensity values for harmful agents present at workplaces as the basic criteria for ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions in Poland and in the European Union. The role of the Interdepartmental Commission for the Maximum Admissible Concentrations and Intensities of Agents Harmful to Health in the Working Environment is presented in this process. The attention was drawn to the relationship between the occupational health and safety legislation and the EC regulations on chemicals, which together provide both employers and the Member States with the necessary data and instruments to work safely with chemicals and to be able to take appropriate actions and risk management measures.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 2307-2316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye Sun Hyun ◽  
Yunyoung Kim

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between working environment and weight control efforts among obese workers in Korea. Methods This study was based on the 2011 3rd Korean Working Conditions Survey, which was conducted on workers aged 15 years or older. A sample of 484 obese workers was included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between working environment and weight control efforts after controlling for individual variables. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results Of the participants, 63.4% reported that they made efforts to control their weight. After controlling for personal factors, the OR of weight control efforts for individuals working 40–49 hours per week was 2.4 times that for individuals working 60 hours or more per week. The OR of regular employment workers was 2.2 times that of non-regular workers. Conclusion We established that working hours and employment type were significantly related to weight control efforts. Therefore, we recommend that working conditions should be considered in designing effective workplace health promotion programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-170
Author(s):  
Young In Oh ◽  
Jeong Hun Park ◽  
Duck Sun Ahn ◽  
Sun Mi Lim

Since the last 100 years, physicians from many countries have been taking collective action. However, the media, civic groups, and the government have denounced them as inhuman and unethical. This study comprehensively analyzed the background and results of physicians’ collective actions that occurred in countries around the world, and reviewed the issues surrounding them. Among 314 cases in 70 countries discussed in the literature, 180 cases in 65 countries were analyzed. Of these 180 cases, 111 (61.7%) were successful, indicating that collective action has brought favorable results to physicians. Furthermore, 177 out of 301 requirements brought favorable results (58.8%). The main reason for collective actions was ‘improvement of working conditions’, which includes improving the medical and the reimbursement systems, adjusting working hours and wages, increasing manpower, supporting medical research, and improving other working environment and conditions. This study is significant because it provides statistical data on the causes and results of collective actions taken by physicians in countries around the world.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Nicola Gundt

This article discusses the nature of the Dutch COVID relief measures for employers concerning wage costs. The question is raised whether the ad-hoc decrees fit into the general picture of Dutch labour law and respects the two key principles (1) safeguarding employees’ income and (2) requesting employee flexibility with regard to the work in case the exact job does not exist any more or is under serious threat. The contribution finds that the emergency legislation does respect these two main principles, while judges refuse substantial modifications of wages and / or working hours on the basis of reasonableness, also upholding the key principles of employee protection.


Author(s):  
Yuko Yamamoto ◽  
Yoshiaki Nomura ◽  
Ayako Okada ◽  
Erika Kakuta ◽  
Naomi Yoshida ◽  
...  

Dental hygienists are in high demand due to insufficient workforce and a lack of an effective reinstatement support system. We investigated the reasons for willingness to work by analyzing the survey results of the employment status of Japanese dental hygienists conducted by Japan Dental Hygienists’ Association. In total, we mailed 16,113 questionnaires to all members of the association (response rate 53.4%). We carried out statistical analysis to determine the specific items to improve the hygienists’ working environment. Fourteen factors of working conditions that they wish to improve were determined. Structural equation modeling showed that a path, “Reduction of work volume”, “Reduction of working hours” and “Increased number of holidays” were higher than other items. A decision analysis demonstrated that most of the respondents answered “Yes” to “Improvement in working conditions including higher salary” out of those who answered, “Strongly disagree” for “Do you feel that dental hygienist work is rewarding?”. Improving workplace environment is integral to keeping high levels of work motivation and a low turnover rate. Most of the hygienists wish for a salary raise among all the conditions. The transition from conventional work styles to non-conventional flexible working patterns is needed.


Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 753-759
Author(s):  
Umit Guner ◽  
Neslihan Guner

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been performed on the relationship between working conditions and health. Numerous parameters still require further study, including working hours and obesity among different groups, specifically older workers in national, regional, and international levels. OBJECTIVE: Working hours have considerable effects on the socio-cultural, psychological, and economic aspects of people’s lives and health. While long working hours increases income level and raises living standards, it increases the risk of certain health problems. This study investigated whether working hours are associated with obesity in upper-middle-aged workers. METHODS: The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) dataset was used for the analyses. Analyses were carried out by means of a Cox regression of the panel dataset created with the data in question, surveyed by European Commission to 12,000 participants. RESULTS: The survey was performed in Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ireland. We found that in most countries, especially Sweden and the Netherlands, upper-middle-aged employees working > 59 hours per week are more likely to gain weight than their counterparts working < 59 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings raise awareness of obesity in older workers, and highlight the need to regulate working conditions and hours in the European Union and other countries.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Smulders ◽  
Frank Pot

Prevalence and effects of co-determination in the Netherlands Based on data of the Netherlands Employers Work Survey of TNO (with about 20,000 firms in the period 2008-2014) and the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey of TNO and Statistics Netherlands (with about 150,000 employees in the period 2007-2014) this articles provides answers on questions like to what extent formal co-determination exists in the Netherlands, and what the relation is with the quality of work, the terms of employment and the firm performance. The analyses show that about 76 percent of the medium sized firms (50-249 employees) in the period 2008-2014 have a works council or a workers representation. Among the larger firms (250 employees or more) this figure is 94 percent. Hence, a quarter of the medium sized firms and 6 percent of the larger firms do not comply with the law. In the period 2008-2014 there is no increase or decrease in formal co-determination in the Netherlands. Co-determination is two to three times more often found in older than in younger firms. Probably tradition plays a role in older firms and unfamiliarity and other worries in younger businesses. Sectors were co-determination is often found are the public sector (95%), education (80%), and health care (70%). On the other hand, in hotels and restaurants (18%), agriculture (19%), construction (31%), and trade (33%) works councils and worker representations are less often found. Employees in the Netherlands are relatively satisfied with their works council or workers representation, scoring 6,5 on a scale from 1 to 10. No relations were found between the prevalence of a works council and the increase of decrease of the firm performance or the satisfaction with the terms of employment, both in the view of the employer. However, employees working in a firm with a works council or worker representation are more satisfied with their work, their income and pension, their working hours and working conditions. In addition, employees in firms with a works council or worker representation, also report more direct participation (more job consultation, more job control, with more supervisor support and less conflict).


2018 ◽  
Vol 567 (12) ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
Magdalena Galwas-Grzeszkiewicz

Constant improvement of working conditions is the key to success when employing a strategy for sustainable development. Eurofound, which acts to improve living and working conditions, conducts regular pan-European surveys, such as the European Company Survey and the European Working Conditions Survey. This article presents selected results of these surveys, on issues such as the physical and social working environment, flexible working hours, availability of training and satisfaction with working conditions both in Poland and in the European Union.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (74) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milton M. Osaki ◽  
Marcelo Pustglione

Introdução: A gestão de pessoas deve desenvolver ações que possibilitem às organizações a plena consecução de suas missões, neste caminho, a promoção do bem-estar e a busca da satisfação dos profissionais, através de práticas que contemplem a diversidade de suas necessidades, devem ser consideradas como fundamentais. Aceita-se que a valorização humana e consequente qualidade de vida no trabalho permitam a obtenção de resultados significativos para a organização. Qualidade de vida no trabalho: Em um conceito estrito, envolve a manutenção e preservação da saúde física, incluindo a garantia de condições saudáveis e seguras de trabalho, mas em um conceito mais amplo (qualidade final de um serviço prestado) envolve outros fatores relacionados aos recursos da organização e a inserção social do profissional. Equação da qualidade final: A gestão da qualidade do produto final pode ser representada por uma equação onde a qualidade final dependerá dos fatores: 1) qualidade dos recursos disponíveis para prestadores e usuários; 2) qualidade técnico-operacional, isto é, a forma mais adequada de executar o processo de trabalho; 3) qualidade de vida no trabalho, ou seja, a disponibilização ao trabalhador de condições saudáveis e seguras de trabalho; e 4) qualidade de vida geral, aquela ofertada ao conjunto da população da qual o trabalhador também faz parte. Propostas de ações: 1) qualificação do ambiente de trabalho (conforto, instalações e equipamentos ergonômicos); 2) evitar situações estressoras ocupacionais relacionadas à jornada, repressão à iniciativa profissional, má comunicação entre níveis hierárquicos, falta de perspectiva de ascensão pessoal, etc.; 3) controle dos riscos ocupacionais conforme e aderente as normas regulamentadoras oficiais da área; 4) promoção, prevenção e proteção às doenças e anomalias clínicas comuns como obesidade, tabagismo, alcoolismo, diabetes e hipertensão arterial, junto a promoção de hábitos saudáveis como atividade física, lazer, alimentação correta; 5) oferta de programas de educação financeira, preparação para aposentadoria, envelhecimento saudável, apoio à mãe trabalhadora, etc. Discussão e Conclusão: Cabe ao serviço de saúde ocupacional da organização desenvolver os programas de qualidade de vida no trabalho e qualidade de vida geral, monitorar indicadores de resultados como índice de absenteísmo e taxa de acidente de trabalho, promover a melhoria contínua utilizando-se de ferramentas como o ciclo PDCA, e promover parcerias com as comissões de trabalhadores e de infecção hospitalar. A conscientização tanto do trabalhador como do gestor para o desenvolvimento da cultura prevencionista é fundamental para a satisfação do profissional e melhoria da qualidade no atendimento do usuário do serviço de saúde. Palavras-chave: Qualidade de Vida; Gestão de Pessoas; Saúde Ocupacional; Serviços de Saúde ABSTRACTIntroduction: People management must develop actions that enable organizations to fully achieve their missions, in this way, promoting well-being and seeking the satisfaction of professionals, through practices that contemplate the diversity of their needs, should be considered as fundamental. It is accepted that human valorization and consequent quality of life at work allow the achievement of significant results for the organization. Quality of life at work: In a strict concept, it involves the maintenance and preservation of physical health, including the guarantee of healthy and safe working conditions, but in a broader concept (final quality of a service provided) involves other factors related to resources of the organization and the social insertion of the professional. Final quality equation: Quality management of the final product can be represented by an equation where the final quality will depend on the factors: 1) quality of the resources available to suppliers and users; 2) technical-operational quality, that is, the most adequate way of performing the work process; 3) quality of life at work, that is, the availability to the worker of healthy and safe working conditions; and 4) general quality of life, that offered to the whole population of which the worker is also a part. Proposals for actions: 1) qualification of the working environment (comfort, facilities and ergonomic equipment); 2) avoiding occupational stressors related to the journey, repression of professional initiative, poor communication between hierarchical levels, lack of perspective of personal ascension, etc.; 3) control of occupational risks according to and adhering to the official regulatory standards of the area; 4) promotion, prevention and protection of diseases and common clinical abnormalities such as obesity, smoking, alcoholism, diabetes and hypertension, along with the promotion of healthy habits such as physical activity, leisure, proper nutrition; 5) offer financial education programs, preparation for retirement, healthy aging, support to the working mother, etc. Discussion and conclusion: It is up to the organization's occupational health service to develop quality of life programs at work and general quality of life, monitor outcome indicators such as absenteeism index and work accident rate, promote continuous improvement using tools such as the cycle PDCA, and promote partnerships with employee committees and hospital infection. The awareness of both the worker and the manager for the development of the prevention culture is fundamental for the satisfaction of the professional and improvement of the quality in the care of the user of the health service.Keywords: Quality of Life; People management; Occupational Health; Health services.


Author(s):  
Sangho Sohn ◽  
Yeonjoo Seo ◽  
Yunsik Jeong ◽  
Seungwoo Lee ◽  
Jeesun Lee ◽  
...  

Purpose: In 2015, the South Korean government legislated the Act for the Improvement of Training Conditions and Status of Medical Resid7`nn78bbbbbbbbbbnbents (Medical Resident Act). This study investigated changes in the working and learning environment pre- and post-implementation of the Medical Resident Act in 2017, as well as changes in training conditions by year post-implementation.Methods: An annual cross-sectional voluntary survey was conducted by the Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA) between 2016 and 2019. The learning and working environment, including extended shift length, rest time, learning goals, and job satisfaction, were compared by institution type, training year, and specialty.Results: Of the 55,727 enrollees in the KIRA, 15,029 trainees took the survey, and the number of survey participants increased year by year (from 2,984 in 2016 to 4,700 in 2019). Overall working hours tended to decrease; however, interns worked the most (114 hours in 2016, 88 hours in 2019; P<0.001). Having 10 hours or more of break time has gradually become more common (P<0.001). Lunch breaks per week decreased from 5 in 2017 to 4 in 2019 (P<0.001). Trainees’ sense of educational deprivation increased from 17.5% in 2016 to 25.6% in 2018 (P<0.001). Awareness of tasks and program/work achievement goals increased from 29.2% in 2016 to 58.3% in 2018 (P<0.001). Satisfaction with the learning environment increased over time, whereas satisfaction with working conditions varied.Conclusion: The Medical Resident Act has brought promising changes to the training of medical residents in Korea, as well as their satisfaction with the training environment.


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