FLA/AAFA applaud Taiwan textile industry’s huge step forward to protect foreign migrant workers

WASHINGTON, December 10, 2025 – The Fair Labor Association (FLA) and American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) applaud today’s announcement by the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) to protect foreign migrant workers in Taiwan’s textile industry.

The TTF announcement urges the Taiwan textile industry, starting January 1, 2026, to adopt a policy that includes an Employer Pays Principle. Under this policy, Taiwan’s textile mills would pay all fees associated with recruitment of foreign migrant workers into Taiwan’s textile industry and adopt other steps to protect foreign migrant workers. The Employer Pays Principle ensures that no worker pays for their job, preventing situations where a worker could end up in debt bondage or face other barriers preventing freedom of movement.

“By championing the responsible recruitment and employment of migrant workers, TTF is not only doing what is right for workers, but also concretely supporting the alignment of Taiwan’s textile mills with international labor standards and expectations. We look forward to working with TTF and the Taiwan textile industry to fully implement the Employer Pays Principle in Taiwan,” stated Jeff Vockrodt, President and CEO, Fair Labor Association.

“Taiwan’s textile industry is already a leader in producing some of the world’s most advanced textiles. Today’s announcement elevates Taiwan’s textile industry further, ensuring its protection of foreign migrant workers aligns with its commitment to manufacturing excellence, reinforcing why it is such a critical partner for U.S. and global brands and retailers,” said Steve Lamar, President & CEO, American Apparel & Footwear Association.

Under the auspices of the AAFA/FLA Commitment to Responsible Recruitment, signed by over 100 global brands and retailers, FLA and AAFA have been working since 2018 for global adoption of the Employer Pays Principle and better protections for foreign migrant workers in apparel, footwear, and accessories supply chains. As part of the Commitment, FLA and AAFA continues to work with the Taiwan government towards updating rules, regulations, and resources to better protect foreign migrant workers in Taiwan.

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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 1,100 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 3.6 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $523 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