Fairtrade launches Textile Standard to ‘empower factory workers’
21/03/2016
"By committing to Fairtrade, companies can now help improve the social and economic wellbeing of workers across the entire production chain," says Martin Hill, interim CEO at Fairtrade International.
The standard is based on Fairtrade’s existing Hired Labour Standard and focuses on working conditions, living wages and workers’ rights.
It’s the first standard to require living wages to be paid within a set time period – six years – and brand owners will also be contractually responsible for fair and long-term purchasing practices which are essential for implementing wage increases.
Overall, the standard aims to empower factory workers and enable them to negotiate labour conditions independently.
The programme will be similar in concept to the producer services provided to farmers and workers, but will be specific to textile factories. Following an initial assessment, factories will be supported to meet the standard's requirements.
FLOCERT, the independent certification body for Fairtrade, will audit the textile companies.
Fairtrade is negotiating with interested companies and hopes to announce commitments soon. The standard is applicable from June 2016.
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