Inputs from Croatian workers
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH ON WORKING CONDITIONS IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY
FIELD RESEARCH
Scope: 25 workers from 11 factories across 6 counties in Croatia
Scope: 25 workers from 11 factories across 6 counties in Croatia
Key findings:
Workers report that conditions in factories are very hot during the summer months.
Although there are windows, ventilation, and air conditioning, workers say that cooling is insufficient.
There are no air purifiers in any of the factories visited.
High temperatures make work more difficult, but due to the pressure to meet 100% of production quotas, workers cannot slow down or use additional cooling aids.
Workers notice the effects of climate change through increasingly frequent and intense rainfall, which also makes commuting (especially by bicycle) more difficult.
Workers are not aware of whether the clothes they produce have ecological certificates, and none of them know what a just transition is.
Workers report that conditions in factories are very hot during the summer months.
Although there are windows, ventilation, and air conditioning, workers say that cooling is insufficient.
There are no air purifiers in any of the factories visited.
High temperatures make work more difficult, but due to the pressure to meet 100% of production quotas, workers cannot slow down or use additional cooling aids.
Workers notice the effects of climate change through increasingly frequent and intense rainfall, which also makes commuting (especially by bicycle) more difficult.
Workers are not aware of whether the clothes they produce have ecological certificates, and none of them know what a just transition is.
ONLINE SURVEY
Scope: 51 workers from 30 textile factories and small businesses across 5 counties in Croatia
Implementation period: 27 March – 20 May 2025.
Scope: 51 workers from 30 textile factories and small businesses across 5 counties in Croatia
Implementation period: 27 March – 20 May 2025.
Key findings:
82% of respondents notice the effects of climate change in their local communities (changes in temperature, more frequent and intense storms and rainfall, increased presence of insects, and higher air and water pollution).
About half of respondents say these changes have not directly affected their workplace, although some reported flooding, fires, water leaks, and power outages. Factories are almost never closed due to such incidents.
74% of workers report feeling hot in their factories during summer, and about a quarter say it is “too hot.” Only 8% say it is not hot.
Most factories have windows (71%) and air conditioning (59%), but about 50% of workers say these systems are not functioning properly.
Heat affects the ability to work for 59% of respondents. The most common symptoms include fatigue (78%), headaches (51%), dizziness (37%), and difficulty breathing (31%).
Most workers are unaware of any pollution caused by their factory and say that the products they make do not carry ecological labels.
80% of respondents do not know what a just transition is.
82% of respondents notice the effects of climate change in their local communities (changes in temperature, more frequent and intense storms and rainfall, increased presence of insects, and higher air and water pollution).
About half of respondents say these changes have not directly affected their workplace, although some reported flooding, fires, water leaks, and power outages. Factories are almost never closed due to such incidents.
74% of workers report feeling hot in their factories during summer, and about a quarter say it is “too hot.” Only 8% say it is not hot.
Most factories have windows (71%) and air conditioning (59%), but about 50% of workers say these systems are not functioning properly.
Heat affects the ability to work for 59% of respondents. The most common symptoms include fatigue (78%), headaches (51%), dizziness (37%), and difficulty breathing (31%).
Most workers are unaware of any pollution caused by their factory and say that the products they make do not carry ecological labels.
80% of respondents do not know what a just transition is.
Conclusion:
Textile workers in Croatia face difficult working conditions during summer months, with insufficient cooling and limited awareness of environmental and climate issues. While most notice the effects of climate change, understanding of and participation in processes related to a just transition remain very low.
Textile workers in Croatia face difficult working conditions during summer months, with insufficient cooling and limited awareness of environmental and climate issues. While most notice the effects of climate change, understanding of and participation in processes related to a just transition remain very low.
SUMMARY OF WORKERS' SURVEY ON CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENT AND WORKING CONDITIONS
A total of 63 workers completed the survey. Most respondents (43) work in garment or footwear manufacturing, while others work in retail (4) or design and small businesses (5). The majority are women (57) and over 30 years old (59).
In the past 10–15 years, 50 workers noticed hotter weather and more heatwaves, 41 reported longer droughts, 31 saw more storms, and 27 observed more flooding. Only 4 respondents said they noticed no weather changes.
Extreme weather has already affected many respondents: 44 experienced physical health problems, 34 mental health problems, 22 workplace issues such as reduced hours or job loss, and 13 housing problems. Only 8 said they noticed no impact.
To protect workers from extreme weather, 51 said factory owners should listen to workers’ concerns, 29 called for access to medical help, and 23 asked for sick or hazard pay. At home, 37 said higher wages would help them cope better, 29 asked for emergency assistance, and 24 wanted more information on how to prepare for extreme weather.
Environmental changes near homes or workplaces are also evident: 52 noticed more pests, 46 more waste, 45 more air pollution, 33 fewer trees, and 29 more water pollution. 36 respondents believe the fashion industry contributes to these changes, 19 are unsure, and 7 disagree.
When asked about the global fashion system, 52 said stronger worker protection laws are needed, 46 called for fairer wages and benefits, and 33 supported stronger unions and women’s groups. 33 also want less outsourcing to low-wage countries, and 27 believe there should be more public pressure on global brands.
When asked about the global fashion system, 52 said stronger worker protection laws are needed, 46 called for fairer wages and benefits, and 33 supported stronger unions and women’s groups. 33 also want less outsourcing to low-wage countries, and 27 believe there should be more public pressure on global brands.
To feel more confident taking action on climate or environmental issues, 39 respondents said they need support from unions or women’s groups, 35 asked for protection from punishment, 27 want time at work to discuss solutions, and 24 requested education or training.
Economic insecurity is widespread: 15 could manage less than a week without income, 28 could manage up to a month, 10 could manage one to three months, and only 7 could manage longer. Most have access to health care (47) and paid leave (41), but few receive hazard pay (6) or severance pay (12).
Knowledge of the term just transition is limited: 18 already knew what it meant, 18 had heard of it but were unsure, and 27 had never heard of it.
Conclusion: Overall, the results show that textile and garment workers in Croatia are already experiencing the effects of climate change, face economic and workplace vulnerability, and call for fairer wages, stronger legal protection, and greater support in adapting to environmental challenges.
Dela