The Social & Labor Convergence Project, an initiative led by some of the world’s leading manufacturers, brands, retailers, industry groups, governmental organizations, service providers and civil society organizations, has secured more than 100 signatories in the year since it launched.
Among the new signatories are the American Apparel & Footwear Association, Lululemon and Williams-Sonoma Inc.
The mission of the Amsterdam-base SLCP, is to develop a common assessment framework and data collection system, increasing industry efficiency and reducing audit-related costs.
The framework, which is designed to replace proprietary solutions, includes a standard agnostic tool and verification methodology to collect relevant and essential data on critical issues, including child labor, forced labor, occupational health and safety, and wages.
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The participating organizations benefit from reduced duplication, opportunities to measure continuous improvement, and increased transparency. In addition, the SLCP framework enables participating organizations to invest resources previously designated for compliance audits into the improvement of social and labor conditions.
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The project is following the recommendations from the Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development. The OECD contributes to the project by providing input on the strategic direction and to supporting its alignment with the OECD Guidance.
“Leading apparel, textile and footwear companies recognize the need for greater efficiency when it comes to creating standard measures around key labor issues,” said Janet Mensink, director of the Social and Labor Convergence Project. “By aligning around a shared framework, we’re able to collectively accelerate the social impacts and sustained improvements to working conditions in the apparel and footwear industries.”
Organizations including Arvind Mills, G-Star, Gap Inc., H&M, Hirdaramani, Intertek, OECD, VF Corp.-Timberland and WRAP were early SLCP signatories. With now more than 100 participating organizations, the SLCP launched a new project web site to provide additional information and opportunity for engagement.
“We are on track with our aggressive two-year timeline and I am extremely optimistic about the direction of the SLCP,” said Colleen Vien, sustainability director at VF Corp.-Timberland, and member of the SLCP Steering Committee. “Our progress is a clear demonstration of what’s possible when all the stakeholders involved share a common vision and don’t get distracted by individual agendas.”
The first version of the framework has been created and is being reviewed by all signatories. The converged tool and verification methodology will be finalized and ready for use by the first quarter of 2018.
The Social & Labor Convergence project is facilitated by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and is supported with external funding from the C&A Foundation and co-funding from the Netherlands government and Norges Bank Investment Management.