The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) has announced the availability of approximately $3,000,000 for a cooperative agreement aimed at strengthening workers' rights in Malaysia's electronics supply chain. The project's primary objectives include improving occupational safety and health (OSH) standards and addressing gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) within the sector. Over a 48-month period, the initiative seeks to enhance union participation, bolster the advocacy skills of worker organizations, and encourage collective bargaining between workers and employers.
Eligible applicants for funding include both domestic and international organizations, including nonprofits and educational institutions. The program emphasizes the need for gender-responsive standards in OSH and requires applicants to demonstrate how they will support the rights of women workers, particularly migrant workers in hazardous conditions. The announcement outlines specific application requirements, submission processes, and evaluation criteria for potential projects, reflecting ILAB’s mission to ensure fair labor practices globally while actively combating workplace violence and exploitation.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs announces a funding opportunity (FOA-ILAB-24-31) with $3,000,000 available for a technical assistance project in Malaysia. The initiative aims to enhance workers' rights within the electronics supply chain, focusing on improving occupational safety and health standards, as well as preventing gender-based violence and harassment. The project will last for 48 months and seeks to increase union participation, empower worker organizations, and foster engagement between workers and employers through collective bargaining.
Eligible applicants for funding include various organizations such as nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations. The application must demonstrate a solid understanding of the challenges faced by women workers in Malaysia, propose effective interventions, and establish a clear management plan. The FOA emphasizes collaboration with locals and existing initiatives to ensure sustainability and relevance.
Award decisions will be made between September and December 2024, with applications required by September 30, 2024. This funding opportunity addresses critical labor issues by promoting equity and workplace safety in a growing sector, directly responding to Malaysia's labor dynamics and the effective inclusion of marginalized groups.