Our experience pioneering a new approach: homework, child labour and multi-stakeholder solutions

1. Our experience pioneering a new approach: homework, child labour and multi-stakeholder solutions Liz Kirk Head of Projects, ETI Give Children a Chance Conference, Copenhagen, 12 Dec 2006

2. section a About ETI What is the Ethical Trading Initiative? ETI is a tripartite alliance of companies, NGOs and trade unions committed to working together to identify, promote and implement good labour practice.

3. section a About ETI Who are our members • 39 corporate members (retailers/suppliers)Combined turnover of £100 billion+ on textiles, clothing, homewares, food and electronics • 16 NGO membersPlus partner organisations • 3 international trade union secretariatsUK TUC and affiliate networks

4. Africa Now Anti-Slavery International Care International UK CAFOD Central American Women’s Network Christian Aid Fairtrade Foundation Homeworkers Worldwide National Group on Homeworking Oxfam Quaker Peace & Social Witness Save the Children Traidcraft Exchange TWIN Women Working Worldwide Women in the Informal Economy Globalising & Organising (WIEGO) section a About ETI Non-governmental organisations

5. section a About ETI ETI’s Base Code • Employment is freely chosen • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining • Working conditions are safe and hygienic • Child labour shall not be used • Living wages are paid • Working hours are not excessive • No discrimination is practised • Regular employment is provided • No harsh or inhumane treatment

6. section b child labour & companies Specifically, on child labour: • There shall be no new recruitment of child labour • Companies shall develop or participate in and contribute to policies and programmes which provide for the transition of any child…to education • Children and young persons under 18 shall not be employed at night or in hazardous conditions

7. section b child labour & companies Shifting attitudes • Mid 90s - child labour as the lens through which companies engage on labour rights • Danger level attached to this issue means a zero tolerance approach often taken • Last 1 - 2 years, seen a more responsible approach emerging

8. section b child labour & companies The ‘disincentives’ to responsibility:

9. section b child labour & companies How to change the climate? • Need to educate the media & consumer • NGO community to start rewarding risk-takers • Build up the business case

10. section c ETI’s experience A new approach:homework, child labour & multi-stakeholder solutions • ETI homeworker guidelines - a generic practical document for all players in global supply chains • Product of 4 years of work in UK & India between 2 m-s groups • first ever attempt to promote and guide responsible corporate practice in the area of homeworking.

11. section c ETI’s experience Homeworker supply chains: Simple Complex

12. section c ETI’s experience Guidelines... • they reflect our members´ collective experience that the entire industry - not just retailers but also suppliers, TUs and NGOs - must play a part in improving the conditions of these workers. • Relevant to you because homeworking is likely to involve child labour

13. section c ETI’s experience Structure & contents of the GLs • Overview of homeworking & examples of responses to HW globally • Principles: individual v.s collaborative action • Chapter for retailers, chapter for suppliers • Chapter for TUs and NGOs • Toolkit

14. In India: setting up multi-stakeholder agencies to implement • Now, converted to a multi-stakeholder agency, to oversee implementation in other local areas of collaborative actions in the guidelines. • Motivated by conviction will be more effective implementing these collectively,. • Gap, Monsoon, Next, their exporters (Aesthetics, Nandeetas, Chelsea Mills), HMS, SEWA, CEC • Will oversee set-up of regional implementing agencies.

15. The National Group and the Bareilly Group National Homework Group Oversees Bareilly Group set-up Monitors actions of members & BHG Refines GLs Identifies next area for Regional HG • Bareilly Homework Group • State & industry specific (Uttar Pradesh fabric embellishment industry) • Implementing ‘joint’ actions (e.g.welfare fund set-up) • May become permanent • Multi-partite: brings in state gov (labour dep.) • Set-up now beginning

16. The Bareilly Homeworkers Group (BHG) • Set up in September 2006 • Membership - Eight contractors, One NGO • Extensive research into HWs issues and suggestions...

17. Possible labour issues & solutions HWs were consulted on in Bareilly:

18. …and homeworkers’ priorities:

19. Next steps for BHG • Linking with NCLP schools • HWs training on H&S, quality and record keeping • Social insurance • Future strategy

20. Lessons: • Collaboration in complex supply chains works best • Companies NEED assistance of non-profit groups to reach this group • Children’s education was workers’ No 1 priority: - use collectiveweight of group on gov • Child labour best dealt with through a multi-stakeholder approach

21. UK Homeworker group members at 06: Body Shop International Community Boots Trade Union Congress Gap Inc Madison Hosiery Homeworkers Worldwide Monsoon / Accessorize National Group on Homeworking Next plc Oxfam GB Sainsburys Supermarkets Traidcraft WIEGO Ethical Trading Initiative