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April 3, 2025 Dear Colleagues, We are witnessing a tectonic shift in US trade policy. Given the potential impact of sweeping new tariffs on the apparel sector and other industries, we have arranged for one of Washington’s leading experts on trade and tariffs to join the WRC Annual Meeting on April 22. Lori Wallach, Director…
Read MoreA set of ground-breaking agreements were reached on November 14, 2009 between Russell/Fruit of the Loom and the union representing Jerzees de Honduras (JDH) workers and, separately, between the company and the WRC to address labor rights issues in the company’s operations in Honduras. The agreements were the culmination of WRC investigation and remediation efforts spanning a twenty-six month period.
Read MoreTo: WRC Affiliate Universities and Colleges From: Scott Nova and Jessica Champagne Date: April 1, 2025 Re: Election Nominations for WRC Board of Directors Please find here a memo announcing upcoming elections for three University Caucus seats on the WRC Board of Directors. The memo explains which seats are up for election, outlines the schedule…
Read MoreMarch 31, 2025 Dear Colleagues, As the cherry blossoms begin blooming here in Washington, we look forward to seeing many of you here on April 22 for the Annual Meeting of the WRC University Caucus. Please find here the meeting agenda. This year, we’ll be discussing: Among the factory cases we’ll be discussing are Base…
Read MoreUS authorities are investigating whether workers in “forced labour” have been making clothes for Under Armour, Columbia and American Eagle, i has learned.
The three global brands could have their imports from Jordan seized and even destroyed if US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) finds evidence of workers being abused at one of their major suppliers in the country.
The senior US congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has welcomed the agency’s investigation into the “extremely serious” claims of exploitation, which could even lead to fashion executives facing criminal prosecution.
Read MoreAfter conducting interviews with workers, the WRC found grave and systematic abuses of the rights of this highly vulnerable workforce, including grossly excessive hours of work, severe and constant harassment and psychological abuse, wages far below the legal minimum, oppressive living conditions, discrimination based on national origin, and threats of violence aimed at preventing workers from reporting these abuses to regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
Read MoreLabor organizations have signed binding agreements with Natchi owner Eastman Apparel and with H&M to combat gender-based violence and harassment at this factory. These agreements were reached after the WRC found numerous practices at the Natchi factory that violated Indian law, international labor standards, and/or vendor codes of conduct, regarding gender-based violence and harassment, other…
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WRC Advances Workers’ Rights on Global Stages: OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector and United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 2025 Highlights
OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector The WRC shared our analysis and experience from the field at three side events during the 2025 OECD Forum. These discussions addressed due diligence, the realities of state-imposed forced labor, and the power of binding agreements in protecting worker rights. Recordings for two of…
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