Codes of conduct have been an important part of efforts to improve labor standards in global supply chains. Over the last ten years these codes and systems for their implementation have proliferated. Brands and retailers are faced with multiple industry standards and suppliers are confused by the numerous codes and initiatives. Local organizations are frustrated by the many initiatives making demands on their time. Better co-ordination and co-operation is essential to address this confusion. It is also important to develop a shared understanding of the ways in which voluntary codes of conduct contribute to better working conditions.
The Joint Initiative is the first effort to bring together key organizations different aspects of code implementation and/or enforcement in a program of collaborative work. These are: Clean Clothes Campaign, Ethical Trading Initiative, Fair Labor Association, Fair Wear Foundation, Social Accountability International and Workers Rights Consortium (“the organizations”). Each of these organizations is involved in the global effort to improve working conditions in global supply chains. All believe that codes of conduct can only make an effective and credible contribution to this effort, if their implementation involves a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, trade unions, employers’ associations and civil society.
The aims of the Joint Initiative are:
· to maximize the effectiveness and impact of multi-stakeholder approaches to the implementation and enforcement of codes of conduct, by ensuring that resources are directed as efficiently as possible to improving the lives of workers and their families;
· to explore possibilities for closer co-operation between the organizations;
· to share learning on the manner in which voluntary codes of labor practice contribute to better workplace conditions in global supply chains.