Outdoor and Sports Company has joined the Fair Wear Foundation, which promotes fair labour conditions in the garment industry worldwide.
OSC’s outdoor brands Mountain Equipment and Sprayway, along with running brands Ronhill and Hilly, are all signed up to the initiative.
As an affiliate member, OSC commits to implement the FWF code of labour practices in both its own business operations and the supply chain of all of its brands.
“We joined Fair Wear Foundation after undertaking a significant programme of preliminary work,” says Mike Deegan, OSC’s CEO.
“Our affiliation with this independent organisation reflects how seriously we take our social responsibility towards all people connected to the OSC business.”
The FWF code of labour practices contains eight elements, which are based on United Nations and International Labour Organization principles:
• Employment is freely chosen.
• There is no discrimination in employment.
• No exploitation of child labour.
• Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
• Payment of a living wage.
• No excessive working hours.
• Safe and healthy working conditions.
• Legally binding employment relationship.
FWF regularly verifies the implementation of these labour practices through factory audits and worker interviews and through annual brand performance checks, which assess how well each member’s management policies support the code of labour practices.
Says Erica van Doorn, director of the Fair Wear Foundation: “Over the past several months OSC has been working hard to fulfil all the prerequisites for becoming a member.
“We look forward to working with the OSC brands and supporting them in their ongoing efforts to improve workplace conditions.”
