An 85 page report by Baptist World Aid Australia came out to guide consumers into understanding the ethical sourcing or the possible slave labor that well known companies encourage.  They have researched 106 companies (many are Australian based though), giving them grades based on each company’s policies, suppliers, auditing and supplier relationships, and worker empowerment.  In order to see the report, go here and fill out the form on the right with your name and e-mail address.  You will receive the PDF file of the report shortly after.
There was a 59% improvement in the grades for the companies researched since last year’s report!
Which companies were given the best grades (A+, A, and A-)?
Adidas (which includes Reebok), Mighty Good Undies, Inditex (companies like Zara come from this), Kowtow, Liminal Apparel,  Pacific Brands (Jockey comes from this), Nudie Jeans, Cotton On, Freeset, APG & Co, RREPP, Patagonia, and Etiko.
Which companies received D+ to failing grades? We ask that you contact them to demand that they source their products and help those who work within in their supply chain.
Forever 21, Ally Fashion, Roger David, Betts, Wish, Oxford, Bloch, Corporal Apparel Group, Decjuba, Voyager Distributing Co, Abercrombie & Fitch (which includes Hollister), Fast Future Brands, L Brands (which includes Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works), Gazal (which includes SPANX and Calvin Klein), Icebreaker, Lowes (AU), Pavement United Brands (includes Asphalt), and Farmers
Despite the many companies who still need to make improvements, this report expresses great growth compared to last year’s report.  Last year, 32% of the companies researched were devoted to investing fairer wages to their workers.  This year’s report has a 10% increase, bringing it to 42%!  In their first report from 2013, only 11% of the companies had ensured such devotion.
Traceability of the supply chain has become very important to those who long to own slave-free products.  81% of the 106 companies researched have increased their input traceability. 45% of the companies trace raw materials.
Please take a look at the full report to learn more information about living wages, monitoring, how the information was collected, stories from workers, country highlights, and their grade assessing process.  It is well worth the read and is filled with graphs and images!