We have initiatives around the world focused on improving factory working conditions.
Multi-stakeholder initiatives Working with a wide range of stakeholders is fundamental to bringing about positive change in workers’ lives. We turned to two leaders of multi-stakeholder initiatives for their perspective on the challenges and rewards of these efforts.
Human trafficking Combating human trafficking will take the efforts of people working across business, government and other sectors of society. We seek to recognize how human trafficking can surface in our supply chain and take steps to stop it.
Freedom of association We support freedom of association and collective bargaining as part of our commitment to support the fair and equitable treatment of factory workers.
Handwork protections A craft steeped in tradition, combined with modern pressures, creates a challenge for our company: how to ensure the fair treatment of people who do handwork.
Addressing child labor
Child labor is endemic in parts of the world where poverty and a lack of opportunity remain systemic problems. We are working to create long-term solutions in the industry through collaboration and a commitment to driving change.
Uzbek cotton
In Uzbekistan, one of the world’s largest exporters of cotton, the national government forces over one million children to labor in cotton fields. We are working with stakeholders in an effort to end this significant human rights violation.
ILO/IFC Better Work program For years, we’ve played a role in a unique international collaboration to improve working conditions in garment factories. Today, the Better Work program is expanding throughout the world, and by the end of 2011 will be operational in seven countries.
Bangladesh update On December 14, 2010, a fire broke out at a factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, taking the lives of 29 individuals, and injuring over 100 others. The factory was a supplier to Gap Inc. and several other major apparel brands and retailers.
Sri Lanka Gap Inc. is closely monitoring the peace and reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, and is seeking to ensure our Code of Vendor Conduct is being adhered to by factories producing Gap Inc. branded apparel.
