CCC Reference Guide on Code Implementation & Verification

Introduction

Improving working conditions in the global garment and sportswear industries has become central to the work of pressure groups, lobby groups, trade-unions, consumers organizations, governments and companies. Many consumers have become aware of the problems that govern the production chain. Workers in the production sector, predominantly female, are increasingly defending their interests. Unfortunately, real improvements in working conditions in garment and sportswear supply chains have been limited to safety and health conditions in the first tier of suppliers. International networks have been established amongst stakeholders with the aim to carry through further improvements.

Corporate Social Responsibility has become a slogan entering the global debate. As companies have started to become more powerful worldwide, it is generally recognized that they have a social responsibility and that rules and regulations should be issued. One breakthrough is that in recent years, almost everyone is convinced that companies in the production chain should take responsibility for the labour conditions of their suppliers, and put that policy to paper, usually in the form of a Code of Conduct.

Over the years, a multitude of such codes has emerged including model codes drafted by trade-unions and NGOs, company codes and government promoted codes. Codes of conduct are the subject of debate and they have different meanings for different people. For some, it is a way to avoid binding regulation. For others it is a means to address the regulation gap, which is often temporary. It is also a way towards 'soft' laws. At the same time, many of these codes seemingly operate in isolation, which can create some confusion. Moreover, codes of conduct can be rather complex in practice. In order to give some sense of direction in this maze, this reference guide attempts to present an overview of code related work and discusses the primary challenges for the future.

The Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) is an international campaign, focused on improving working conditions in the global garment and sportswear industries. The CCC is based in several European countries and has a CCC project groups and task forces in India and in Bulgaria.

For more information on the Clean Clothes Campaign and project groups visit the following website: http://www.cleanclothes.org/contacting.htm and on how it is structured see: http://www.cleanclothes.org/faq/faq03.htm.

The Clean Clothes Campaigns in each country are coalitions of consumer organisations, trade unions, human rights and women rights organisations, researchers, solidarity groups and activists. Every national campaign operates autonomously. The campaigns co-operate with CCC partner organisations all over the world, especially organisations of garment workers (in factories of all sizes), home workers and migrant workers (including those without valid working papers).

See for further information on the CCC in general and frequently asked questions on the international campaign, the CCC flyer: http://www.cleanclothes.org/publications/ccc_flyer.htm) or download the CC Urgent Appeals leaflet:
The Clean Clothes Urgent Appeals system.

The Clean Clothes Campaign aims to improve working conditions and to empower workers in the global garment industry in order to end the oppression, exploitation and abuse of workers in this industry, most of whom are women.

It does this by:

1. Putting pressure on companies to take responsibility to ensure that their garments are produced in decent working conditions;
2. Supporting workers, trade unions and NGOs in producer countries;
3. Raising awareness among consumers and citizens by providing accurate information about working conditions in the global garment and sportswear industry, in order to mobilise citizens to use their power as consumers;
4. Exploring legal possibilities for improving working conditions, and lobbying for legislation to promote good working conditions and for laws that would compel governments and companies to become ethical consumers.

This reference guide focuses on the work undertaken by CCC with respect to its first objective, to ensure that companies take responsibility for labour conditions in the entire production chain of the garment industry.

• Section 1 of this guide discusses the CCC model code, which sets out guiding principles to companies for acceptable working conditions in the garment industry.
• Section 2 provides an overview of the CCC's pilot strategy and pilot projects.
• Section 3 provides an overview of multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Section 4 highlights critical issues related to code implementation and verification.
• Section 5 describes code related activities in a global context.