12th Sept 2024: FLA – Fifty global brands urge Taiwan to support responsible recruitment of migrant workers
The conditions for migrant workers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand in Taiwan are some of the most challenging I have ever seen. The levels of debt incurred by these vulnerable, often lower-skilled migrant workers as a result of uncontrolled and unethical recruitment and exploitative employment (both living and working conditions) by employers and local agents who manage them are in urgent need of attention. It’s good that FLA is taking this initiative despite Taiwan’s Tier 1 U.S. human trafficking report ranking?!!
Migrant workers in Taiwan have a crucial role in global supply chains, from garments to electronics to fishing and much much more. Peter Bengsten’s articles copied below, provide unique insight also. Much more work is needed here.
Original Source: Fair Labor – 12th September 2024
WASHINGTON, DC, September 12, 2024 — Fifty global brands, many of which are signatories to the Commitment to Responsible Recruitment organized by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA), yesterday called on Taiwan to ensure that responsible business practices are consistently and sustainably applied in the recruitment of migrant workers to Taiwan, especially those employed in Taiwan’s textile mills.
In joint letters to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Labor, the signatories urged the government to prohibit brokers from charging recruitment fees and associated costs to workers, protect and promote workers’ freedom of association, including migrant workers’ access to unions or independent workers’ associations; protect migrant workers through robust agreements with sending countries; and streamline the application process for migrant workers who want to change employers, among other suggestions for regulatory changes.
The letters read in part, “Implementing these changes will be a good start in providing confidence to migrant workers, and to companies sourcing from Taiwan, that migrant workers in Taiwan are protected by a strong safety net and will not experience unethical recruitment or poor working conditions. We believe that collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector is essential to promoting and expanding ethical and sustainable business practices in Taiwan.”
The Fair Labor Association (FLA) promotes human rights at work. We are an international network of companies, universities, and civil society organizations collaborating to ensure that millions of people working at the world’s factories and farms are paid fairly and protected from risks to their health, safety, and well-being.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.2 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $490 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA drives progress on three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. AAFA approaches this work through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology.
FLA CONTACT:
Stacy Hope
communications@fairlabor.org
AAFA CONTACT:
Natalie LaBella
media@aafaglobal.org
Background Reading:
See stories by Peter Bentsen at http://www.peterbengtsen.com/stories#stories1
2nd July 2024 Diplomat: Migrant Workers Pay Sky-high Fees to Expand Taiwan’s Biggest Airport
27th June 2024: Le Monde Diplomatique – Are Tour de France bike-makers overlooking forced labour risks for migrant workers in Malaysia and Taiwan?
4th June 2024 Oriental Economist: Allegations of Forced Labor at Japanese Auto Parts Supplier in Taiwan
3rd April 2024 Toyokezai: Forced labor allegations at Japanese auto parts company in Taiwan – how will Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi respond?
Diplomat 22nd Aug 2023: Debt Bondage Payouts Mark Progress But Fail to Make Migrant Workers Whole in Taiwan
