123 Companies Sign Agreement to Curtail Forced Labor in Apparel Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) announce a new initiative to address forced migrant labor issues in the apparel industry. The new agreement includes 123 companies throughout the apparel and footwear markets.

“As an industry and as individual companies, we are committed to the fair treatment of workers in the apparel, footwear, and travel goods supply chains,” states the AAFA in a press announcement.  “One important part of this ongoing effort is working together to eliminate conditions that can lead to forced labor in the countries from which we source products.”

Dubbed the “Commitment to Responsible Recruitment,” the agreement features three primary conditions to address the situation:

• No workers pay for their job
• Workers retain control of travel documents and have full freedom of movement
• Workers are informed of basic terms of employment before leaving their home

The list of participants includes a variety of companies in different facets of the textile and apparel industry like Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, Vantage, alphabroder, Vetta, SanMar, and American & Efird (A&E). By entering the agreement, companies commit to incorporating the AAFA’s stipulations before Dec. 31, 2019, and agree to provide periodic reports on their efforts.

To see a full list of participants and learn more, visit https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/Solutions_Pages/Commitment_to_Responsible_Recruitment.