Although sweatshops are common, not all companies utilize this practice. In fact, one company in particular is making great strides to make change in this industry.
American Apparel is a model company for many reasons. In 2002, American Apparel coined the term "Sweatshop Free".
American Apparel practices vertical integration. This means that rather than using a middleman producer like most companies, American Apparel compacts all of its processes into its one Los Angeles company. This eliminates the use of factories overseas which entail sweatshops.
American Apparel treats its employees in a unique way. These garment workers are the highest paid garment workers worldwide. They are paid by how much they can produce, allowing them to make up to $21 per hour, or $40,000 per year. On the job training is offered for those who are motivated to learn and work, but have no experience in the field. These workers are highly respected and authorities in the company have made it their goal to create careers rather than jobs for these individuals. They also value the input of their workers and encourage them to have a voice. Alongside American Apparel's acclaimed wages, they also offer great benefits to workers. These benefits include, but do not limit, the following:
Parking
Subsidized public transport
Subsidized lunches
Free onsite massages
A bike lending program
A program of paid days off
ESL classes
Subsidized health insurance for employees as well as their families
Job security
Full time employment
Onsite medical clinic
Parking
Subsidized public transport
Subsidized lunches
Free onsite massages
A bike lending program
A program of paid days off
ESL classes
Subsidized health insurance for employees as well as their families
Job security
Full time employment
Onsite medical clinic
Creating products in the USA allows American Apparel a head up on its competition. They predict that in the future, the cost to transport items will become unreasonable. They also don't foresee the continuation of unethical treatment of workers. Being a company that makes all of its products in America, as well as practicing great amounts of respect for workers, American Apparel sees itself avoiding these future problems and setting an example for other companies.
Visit American Apparel's website for a virtual tour of their headquarters.
http://www.americanapparel.net/aboutus/verticalint/factory/
http://www.americanapparel.net/aboutus/verticalint/factory/
High end fashion's approach to corporate citizenship
High end fashion also takes strides to make a difference in the industry. These companies sacrifice the desirable consumer price point in order to provide high quality and ethically made products. These companies put an extremely great amount of emphasis on ethics. During the 80's and 90's sweatshops began to catch the eye of the public. The luxury brand names responded quickly. They began by training those working within their company. With each factory these brands planned on working with overseas, employees were trained to examine and find any kind of flaw, right down to the dormitories provided to these garment workers. Today, large name brands have separate compliance departments to do this type of investigation. One brand in particular which practices this ethical method is Marc Jacobs. These compliance teams go to suppliers, and look for quality. They make contracts stating the fashion company's expectations and randomly check up to make sure that these expectations are met. By doing everything in their power to eliminate the problem of unfair treatment of workers, luxury brands make strides in the industry. These high end brands also involve women crafting in their products. Their products are handcrafted by skilled workers. Crafting is often a large part of foreign cultures. Turning this into a job offers employment opportunities. Also, large companies can't take advantage of skilled craftsmen, because they are not simply replaceable. High end fashion is creating a path other brands will hopefully follow down in the future.
This Marc Jacobs bag is handcrafted in Italy by skilled craftsmen.