The Fair Labor Association is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to protect workers’ rights and improve working conditions worldwide. It is a multi-stakeholder initiative of universities, civil society organizations and socially responsible corporations that work to increase accountability and transparency from brands, manufacturers, factories and others involved in global supply chains, and to create lasting solutions to exploitative labor practices. Since its inception as the Apparel Industry Partnership and the development of its Workplaces Code of Conduct and Compliance Benchmarks, the FLA has developed a range of procedures and programs aimed at driving through positive change in supply chains. It has also expanded its membership base beyond the apparel and footwear industry to include companies in other sectors, such as agribusiness and electronics.
In 2012, Shift helped the FLA assess the implications of the Guiding Principles for its work. The report prepared by Shift analyzed how the FLA’s standards, processes and programs align with the Guiding Principles, and suggested areas for future focus. Since this report was written, the FLA has made a number of changes to its standards and processes.
Shift also provided ad hoc advice to the internal FLA Working Group tasked with reviewing the organization’s Third Party Complaint mechanism.