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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-8211
In a public hearing held today, the Labor Department began gathering
information on product labeling to ensure American consumers that imported
goods are not manufactured with exploitative child labor.
"President Clinton took action this week to eliminate exploitative child
labor in the garment industry," said Acting Secretary of Labor Cynthia A.
Metzler, who chaired the hearing. "Today's hearing will help identify ways to
involve American consumers in efforts to eradicate child labor."
The hearing, held by the Labor Department's International Labor Affairs
Bureau (ILAB), will provide information on how to combat the abuse and
exploitation of child labor in the production of goods--particularly footwear,
soccer balls, carpeting and tea--imported into the United States. The agency is
particularly interested in the feasibility of industry labeling to counter
exploitative child labor but will also consider various other voluntary efforts
that have been initiated by manufacturers, importers and retailers.
The International Labor Organization estimates roughly 250 million
children work worldwide, the vast majority of whom are in developing countries.
Millions work in unhealthy and impoverished conditions.
Testimony from today's hearing, attended by members of President
Clinton's Apparel Industry Partnership and Congressional representatives, will
help form the basis of a report to Congress. Additionally, the department
believes its findings will be useful to the Apparel Industry Partnership.
"President Clinton's announcement of the new industry-implemented
monitoring methods sends the message that America will not tolerate the
exploitation of child labor," said Acting Deputy Under Secretary for
International Labor Affairs Andrew Samet. "We know when companies monitor for
abusive child labor, progress is made and such horrible conditions are
diminished."
Samet said that labeling is the next logical step to help consumers and
industry leaders to combat the scourge. A report on labeling, specifically in
the manufacture of footwear, soccer balls, carpeting and tea, will be submitted
to Congress this summer.
In addition to the hearing, the ILAB Child Labor Study will continue to
research other ideas and accept written comments from the public. Furthermore,
department officials plan to examine on-site conditions in the above mentioned
industries.
Three other reports were submitted prior to the one currently being
researched. "By The Sweat And Toil Of Children: The Use Of Child Labor In
American Imports," "By The Sweat And Toil Of Children, Vol. II: The Use Of
Child Labor In U.S. Agricultural Imports & Forced And Bonded Labor" and
"The Apparel Industry And Codes Of Conduct: A Solution To The International
Child Labor Problem?".
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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