Click here to access the TED Global 2010 program.
July 7, 2010 – The FLA Today released its Annual Public report for 2009. The annual report provides statistics on the 120 unannounced factory audits conducted by FLA-accredited independent monitors and highlights other work of the organization during 2009. The report also reviews FLA achievements during its first decade of existence and outlines challenges ahead in achieving its mission of improving working conditions and protecting workers' rights throughout the world.
June 1, 2010 – The FLA closes a Third Party Complaint regarding the Chi Fung factory in El Salvador. FLA-affiliated companies adidas (Reebok) and M. J. Soffe, which are active in Chi Fung, conducted investigations regarding allegations of forced labor, harassment and abuse of workers, as well as health and safety, and wages and benefits and overtime compensation violations. They developed a corrective action plan that has already begun to remedy some of the noncompliances at the factory. Visit FLA Third Party Complaint Summary Reports for further information about the investigation and remediation plan.
2009
December 2, 2009 – FLA Board of Directors ends the special review period and restores compliance of Russell Corporation with FLA standards. Based on the progress documented by COVERCO and a review of the agreement between Russell and the CGT and SITRAJERZEESH union, the Board adopted a resolution on December 1, 2009 finding Russell in good standing with the FLA.
November 17, 2009 – Negotiations result in agreement between Russell Corporation and the union workers of SITRAJERZEESH and the General Confederation of Workers (CGT) in Honduras. The statement released today by parties to the negotiations addresses many of the key concerns that the FLA Board expressed in placing Russell on 90-day special review in June 2009. Details of the agreement and the overall remediation plan will be assessed to determine Russell's status with the FLA following the conclusion of the extended special review period in mid-December.
October 29, 2009 – FLA Board of Directors issued a statement on Russell Corporation's status. The Board decided to extend the special review period period another 45 days to allow the remediation process to continue. The Board's decision took into consideration requests from the parties currently engaged in negotiations as part of the remediation, letters from various stakeholders in the labor rights community, and an FLA-commissioned independent verification report that confirms progress is being made.
October 6, 2009 – FLA Releases 2008 Annual Public Report
The Fair Labor Association (FLA) today released its 2008 annual public report, which provides statistics on the 239 unannounced factory audits conducted in 2007 and 2008 by FLA-accredited independent monitors and highlights FLA projects that have found innovative approaches to addressing ongoing challenges in labor compliance. This is the sixth annual report published by the FLA since it began its global monitoring program in 1999.
June 29, 2009 – The FLA released today a detailed remediation plan that defines the timelines and deliverables Russell Corporation will be required to meet in order to be removed from special review status at the end of the 90-day period. The FLA worked with Russell on the development of this plan in response to the FLA Board resolution of June 25, and the company has agreed to meet its requirements.
June 26, 2009 – The FLA Board of Directors issued a new resolution regarding Russell Corporation. At its June 25 meeting, the Board adopted a resolution to put Russell Corporation on 90-day special review. Special review requires specific actions by Russell to address issues related to the closure of the Jerzees de Honduras factory and to be in good standing with the FLA. The Board’s decision was based on review of the independent verification report commissioned by the FLA to review Russell’s implementation of the remediation plan adopted by the FLA and the Board of Directors on January 29 and February 12, 2009.
April 9, 2009 – The FLA released today a report from Russell Corporation regarding actions it has taken to address issues found at Jerzees de Honduras. They have provided an activities matrix that addresses point by point the remedial steps listed in the FLA report issued on January 28, 2009, as well as the recommendations in the FLA Board resolution issued on February 13, 2009.
March 25, 2009 – The FLA closes the Third Party Complaint regarding Estofel, S.A., a factory in Guatemala City, Guatemala, that shut down in late 2007. The FLA summary report reflects the collaborative effort of an ad-hoc, multi-stakeholder group organized by the FLA and WRC. The group consisted of representatives of the University of Washington, GFSI, Inc., Hanesbrands, Phillips-Van Heusen, Ghim Li, and the Collegiate Licensing Company, supported by FLA-accredited monitor COVERCO in Guatemala. The effort resulted in payment of additional severance to over 871 former Estofel workers.
February 13, 2009 – The FLA Board of Directors issued a resolution regarding Russell Corporation's closure of Jerzees de Honduras. At its February 12 meeting, the Board recommended nine additional remedial steps that Russell should take to address serious concerns about allegations of violations of associational rights at the JDH plant. View the resolution and the release.
January 28, 2009 – FLA released today its report based on three independent investigations to determine the facts surrounding the Russell Corporation's announced closure of Jerzees de Honduras (JDH). Three investigations were launched in response to allegations that Russell’s decision to close the factory was motivated by a desire to shut down the union and in violation of the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct on freedom of association. An investigation into the business case was conducted at Russell headquarters in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and two independent investigations were conducted on freedom of association in Honduras. Below is the FLA’s statement and report on these investigations, as well as the third-party reports.
To read news releases and statements prior to 2009, visit our
News Releases Archive.
