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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsApple Joins The Fair Labor Association To Help Improve Factory Working Conditions Overseas
Last edited Fri Jan 13, 2012, 07:53 PM - Edit history (2)
First Tech Company to Join.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2012 The Fair Labor Association today announced that Apple will join the FLA as a Participating Company, effective immediately. The FLA will independently assess facilities in Apple's supply chain and report detailed findings on the FLA website. Apple becomes the first technology company to join the Association as a Participating Company.
FLA Participating Companies agree to uphold the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct throughout their supply chains and commit to the FLA's Principles of Fair Labor and Responsible Sourcing. In 2011, the FLA worked with Apple to assess the impact of Apple's training programs which help raise awareness of labor rights and standards among workers in its supply chain. Like all new affiliates, Apple will align its compliance program with FLA obligations within the next two years.
"We found that Apple takes supplier responsibility seriously and we look forward to their participation in the Fair Labor Association," said Auret van Heerden, FLA's President and CEO. "We welcome Apple's commitment to greater transparency and independent oversight, and we hope its participation will set a new standard for the electronics industry."
In addition to conducting independent assessments of participating companies' supplier facilities, FLA works with civil society organizations, universities and companies to develop and improve social responsibility programs and provide training and capacity building at the facility and brand level.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apple-joins-fair-labor-association-137285303.html
BiggJawn
(23,051 posts)Or is this going to be like "Made in USA" clothes that come from Saipan?
tridim
(45,358 posts)Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)I hope it's truly an independent organization dedicated to making working conditions better for all workers...and not an astro-turf organization formed to give these companies press cover.
BrendaBrick
(1,296 posts)Near the bottom: Criticism
"The United Students Against Sweatshops, have stated that the FLA has "... a weak code that fails to provide for women's rights, a living wage, the full public disclosure of factory locations, or university control over the monitoring process." WAAKE-UP! was also critical of the Fair Labor Association as much of its funding comes from organizations it monitors, creating a potential conflict of interest. The organization FLA Watch monitors the Fair Labor Association."
Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)...they (FLA) seem to have their heart in the right place, but I couldn't find anything that they've actually accomplished. I may be missing something. I did just get off work and my brain isn't fully functional.
An organization worth watching and supporting, if their actions meet their desire. Surprised I haven't heard of them. They've been around since 1999.
Anyway...it also shows that Apple is willing to make the effort. As much of a huge Apple fan that I am, I always hoped that they could change/resolve some of the overseas issues with the Chinese. It sounds like this organization will offer an analysis and possible corrections. Good job, Apple!
Thanks for posting this, onehandle. I'm going to keep my eye on this.
Edit to add: Duh. Maybe I should have checked the huge section called "News Releases".
Zalatix
(8,994 posts)Part of the cheapness of offshore outsourced goods is exactly this: piss poor factory conditions overseas.