Date of publication: May 1, 2009
Author: International Labor Rights Forum
Attached Files
Any certification program for ethical products must truly tackle the root causes of factory and farm sweatshop conditions in global supply chains. These programs should address the power imbalance inherent in current sourcing relationships that lead to rock-bottom product prices, contractor non-compliance, and poverty wages for workers. Credible certification systems should incorporate as basic and starting principles: a living wage for workers, independent worker organization, and fair pricing for contractors. This document is a summary of the International Labor Rights Forum’s main concerns and our recommendations for improvements to existing "fair" or "sustainable" certification and labeling programs and standard setting initiatives.