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Gildan Code of Conduct
A key element in demonstrating our commitment to being a socially responsible employer in all our geographical hubs is the successful implementation of our Social Compliance Program for labour practices and working conditions. This program is designed to ensure that, at a minimum, all facilities comply with our own strict internal Code of Conduct, local and international laws, and the codes to which we adhere, including those of Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP) and Fair Labor Association (FLA). When external suppliers are being used, they must also adhere to these codes. This is, in fact, a condition for doing business with us.
Click here for Gildan’s Code of Conduct
Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP)
Gildan’s initial WRAP certification followed a comprehensive and independent verification carried out by the Bureau Veritas Quality International. The Company obtained the WRAP certification for its San Jose, San Antonio and San Miguel sewing facilities in Honduras, as well as for its Rivas facility in Nicaragua.
WRAP is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing throughout the world. WRAP promotes a code of conduct that ensures that core labor concepts are understood and practiced on the shop room floor and by management. WRAP relies upon independent, third-party monitors to certify that factories are in compliance with WRAP’s Code of Conduct.
Click here for WRAP’s Code of Conduct
Fair Labour Association (FLA)
Gildan’s labour compliance program was accredited by the FLA on June 13, 2007. The Company is the first vertically-integrated basic activewear apparel manufacturer to receive accreditation.
The FLA is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization whose goal is to promote adherence to international labour standards and improve working conditions worldwide. It represents a multi-stakeholder coalition of companies, universities and non-governmental organizations committed to a rigorous program of code of conduct implementation, monitoring and remediation in order to bring manufacturing sites into compliance with FLA standards.
Gildan is proud to have received the accreditation from the FLA, which is recognized internationally as one of the most highly respected independent verification agencies. Gildan applied to become a Participating Company of the FLA largely because of the credible, transparent and open process it offers for compliance with labour standards. The FLA’s method of annual public reporting, its strict Workplace Code of Conduct, and the fact it employs internal and external independent audits were all key elements that prompted Gildan to seek FLA membership. The FLA also serves as a source of information to consumers as it promotes public awareness about labour conditions around the world through candid and transparent reporting.
The FLA Code of Conduct focuses on important principles based on the core labour standards of the International Labor Organization. These include the prohibition of forced labour, child labour, harassment or abuse, and discrimination; provisions with regards to health and safety; the right of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining, wages and benefits, and overtime compensation; as well as limits on regular and overtime hours of work. The FLA reports on the global and factory level activities of its Participating Companies through its annual Public Report, which describes the compliance programs of Participating Companies, common compliance issues in countries of manufacture, and efforts made by Participating Companies to address them.