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

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. 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 members Plus partner organisations 3 international trade union secretariats UK TUC and affiliate networks section a About ETI

Non-governmental organisations 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

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 section a About ETI

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 section b child labour & compani es

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 years, seen a more responsible approach emerging section b child labour & compani es

The ‘disincentives’ to responsibility: section b child labour & compani es

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

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. section c ETI’s experien ce

Homeworker supply chains: SimpleComplex section c ETI’s experien ce

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 section c ETI’s experien ce

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 section c ETI’s experien ce

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.

The National Group and the Bareilly Group National Homework Group Oversees Bareilly Group set-upMonitors actions of members & BHG Refines GLsIdentifies 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

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

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

…and homeworkers’ priorities:

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

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 collective weight of group on gov Child labour best dealt with through a multi- stakeholder approach

Ethical Trading Initiative Cromwell House 14 Fulwood Place London WC1V 6HZ United Kingdom t +44 (0) f +44 (0) UK Homeworker group members at 06: Body Shop InternationalCommunity BootsTrade Union Congress Gap Inc Madison HosieryHomeworkers Worldwide Monsoon / AccessorizeNational Group on Homeworking Next plcOxfam GB Sainsburys SupermarketsTraidcraft WIEGO