The German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin, Swiss outdoor retailer
Transa and Bierbaum-Proenen, a leading German producer of workwear and professional clothing joined the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) July 1, 2010.


 

Manfred Hell, CEO of the well-known German outdoor brand with the paw-print logo explains: “FWF is a respected initiative that makes high demands on itself and its members. Not only that, but there are significant parallels between the approach of FWF and the system which Jack Wolfskin already operates. This makes it much easier to
implement the FWF guidelines. Jack Wolfskin has always taken its responsibility to the environment and to the people who manufacture our products very seriously, and considers it a fundamental prerequisite for successful company development.”

In the coming year all three companies will start implementing the FWF Code of Labour. Practices in their supply chains, adapting the way they do business to optimally support good labour practices. FWF will verify their efforts and progress.


“Fair Wear Foundation is very pleased to welcome Jack Wolfskin, Bierbaum-Proenen and Transa as members of the organisation. We look forward to working together and to strengthening these companies’ continuing efforts to improve workplace conditions,” said FWF director Erica van Doorn.


The FWF Code of Labour Practices contains eight labour standards, based on ILO conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:


  • Employment is freely chosen

  • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining

  • No discrimination in employment

  • No exploitation of child labour

  • Payment of a living wage

  • Reasonable hours of work

  • Safe and healthy working conditions

  • A legally binding employment relationship

Companies that join FWF set up a system to monitor and improve the conditions in the factories that supply them. Through a local complaints procedure, intensive contact with local stakeholders and regular checks both at the brand itself and at its suppliers, FWF assesses to what extent its affiliates comply with FWF’s requirements.


Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is an independent, non-profit organisation that works with companies and factories to improve labour conditions for garment and textile workers. The more than 60 member companies represent around 100 brands and are based in six European nations. Production is monitored in 15 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa.