Sweatshop labour: What the companies say

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Labour rights campaigns have achieved one of their aims -- firms are increasingly aware of human rights as an issue in the manufacture of their products.

Big brands have introduced their own codes of conduct that are applied when deciding on business partners and sub-contractors around the world.

Many also have monitoring teams or work with external organisations to monitor conditions in factories producing their goods.

Here is what some of the big names say they are doing to tackle the problems:

Gap

The clothing firm says it will not do business with sub-contractors who refuse to stick to its code of conduct.

The company says it sends out its own compliance officers to inspect factories regularly and without warning.

Gap says that if factories do not share its commitment to maintaining safe conditions and treating workers fairly, it stops doing business with them.

Nike

Leading sportswear firm Nike has virtually all its products manufactured by independent contractors.

The company says it takes seriously its obligation to look into and correct problems identified at factories.

Nike says it has a strong code of conduct enforced thoroughly. It works with accounting firms and non-governmental organisations on external monitoring.

However, it says some allegations and research into labour practices are "simply not credible". The firm says some research is produced by organisations that have not set foot in factories where Nike goods are produced.

"Let's not allow American advocacy groups protecting their domestic job base to confuse what they want with what workers in developing countries need: good jobs with fair wages that provide opportunities to build a lifestyle and life skills that are not typically available in the areas where our products are manufactured," the company says on its Web site.

Adidas

Sportswear firm Adidas says it measures its business partners and contractors by its own code or "standards of engagement", based on the International Labour Organization's conventions.

It has a monitoring team of specialists in labour issues, fire prevention, and health, safety and environment issues.

The firm says it will only do business with partners who treat their employees fairly and legally with regard to wages, benefits, and working conditions.

H&M

Swedish clothing retailer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) says it has had a code of conduct for its suppliers since 1997, covering the working environment, child labour, fire safety, working hours, minimum wages and the environment.

The company says it inspects suppliers and their subcontractors regularly. As a last resort, cooperation with the supplier may be terminated.

Gap
Nike
Adidas
H & M

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