Gildan Activewear is the first Canadian company and the
first manufacturer catering to the wholesale imprinted activewear industry to become a Participating Company of the Fair Labor Association.
The FLA, recognized internationally as one of the most highly respected independent verification agencies, promotes adherence to international labour
standards and improving working conditions. 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 audits were all key elements that prompted Gildan to seek FLA membership.
Becoming a Participating Company of the FLA further demonstrates Gildan's
commitment to being a socially responsible corporation aiming to achieve the
highest possible standards of working conditions in all its facilities.
“Our participation in FLA is a logical next step in Gildan's mission to
implement the highest standards and best practices throughout our operations,”
stated Greg Chamandy, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Gildan. “It also confirms that we are effectively doing what we set out to do:
provide excellent working conditions that improve the quality of our workers'
lives and that of their families wherever they are located.”
FLA's ongoing independent monitoring system ensures its Participating
Companies continuously comply with its Code of Conduct. Auret van Heerden, FLA
Executive Director, said, “Gildan's application demonstrated that it is
willing and committed to respecting the FLA Code in its facilities. We will be
working together to ensure that code standards are maintained through
monitoring and remediation.”
Gildan has had its own code of conduct for a number of years to monitor
proper working conditions here and abroad, both in its own facilities and
those of its suppliers. It is also in the process of recruiting a Director of
Social Compliance to oversee conformity to the Corporation's and the FLA
Code's high standards. Furthermore, four of Gildan's plants have been
certified by the Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP), and the
Company was recognized last February by the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA) for Excellence in Corporate Social and Ethical Responsibility.