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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202/219-8211
"American consumers want to know that the clothes and footwear they
purchase are not stained by the exploitation of workers," Labor Secretary
Robert B. Reich said when announcing that the Labor Department's 1996
Trendsetter List will be released on November 27. He noted that the Trendsetter
List--a directory of garment manufacturers and retailers that take additional
steps to ensure their goods are not made in sweatshop conditions--will be
available for consumers just before the holiday shopping season begins.
The list is based on information about voluntary efforts by
manufacturers and retailers to ensure that their goods are made in compliance
with labor laws. To be a Trendsetter, companies must: demonstrate a commitment
to labor laws; cooperate with law enforcement agencies when violations of the
law are found; educate suppliers regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act; and
regularly monitor their cutting and sewing contractors and subcontractors.
Many of the companies on the present Trendsetter List have demonstrated
their commitment to eradicating sweatshops in a variety of ways, including:
establishing and enforcing codes of conduct; providing remedial assistance to
suppliers to improve compliance; offering training programs for suppliers; and
conducting regular site visits of suppliers before and during a contract
arrangement.
NOTE: The Trendsetter List is not a directory of where to shop and
inclusion is not an endorsement by the Department of Labor.
The list is an ongoing Department of Labor program. Any company
interested in joining the list may contact the department's Wage and Hour
administration before November 12 by writing: Trendsetters, 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20210 or by calling 202/219-8365.
To be a Trendsetter, companies:
- demonstrate commitment to labor laws;
- cooperate with law enforcement when violations are found;
- educate suppliers on the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards
Act; and
- monitor cutting and sewing contractors and subcontractors.
The department will give full consideration to all the facts and
circumstances to determine a firm's continued participation on the list; which
may include:
- the severity of any violations by the firm or its suppliers;
- the swiftness of the response to violations;
- indications of ineffective monitoring programs; and
- what proactive steps the firm takes to avoid future violations.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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