Allegations of human rights abuses are commonplace in the garment sector. Global brands do not ordinarily own and operate the factories in which their goods are produced but outsource production around the world. Garment supply chains are noteworthy for a lack of transparency and short-term buyer-supplier relationships which reduces oversight and control in the chain. Within this context, the risk of human rights abuses (including modern slavery and health and safety violations) is high and history demonstrates a surplus of tragic examples where abuses have occurred.
Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) is a multistakeholder accreditation initiative that focuses on ‘protecting and upholding the rights of Australian garment workers and helping local businesses comply with workplace laws’. The organisation operates in collaboration with businesses and was founded with the support of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Union.
This report examines the role of ECA's accreditation program in Australia and notes three key factors which demonstrate its effectiveness:
- strong union engagement including in governance, auditing and worker engagement;
- a focus on transparency and remediation; and
- a model that creates leverage in local supply chains to amplify its influence.