If you’ve ever seenThe True Cost, you know there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to garment workers' rights. However, this overwhelming issue seems much more manageable when introduced to the four organizations below. Each one works hard to create a better future not only for the garment workers but the industry at large.
Although based in the UK, Labour Behind the Label fights for garment worker’s rights worldwide. Founded in 2001, the organization has been raising awareness doing important research, and lobbying governments globally in the name of human rights. By holding brands accountable, listening to the garment worker’s needs, and creating mass protests, Labour Behind the Label is a fantastic cooperative to invest in.
International Labor Rights Forum fights for the rights of workers across all industries and countries. However, it has a strong presence in the fashion industry. ILRF focuses on changing corporate supply chains, creating positive policy, and providing a platform for garment workers to advocate for their own rights.
Workers Rights Consortium takes a slightly different approach to this issue by focusing solely on factories around the world. WRC operates in the fields, investigating factories, producing a database, and publishing its research for all to see. This organization is doing the hard work of documenting and exposing human rights violations within the manufacturing level of the fashion industry.
The oldest organization of the group, Clean Clothes Campaign has been in the game since 1989. It describes itself as a “global alliance” and the aforementioned Labour Behind the Label represents the UK division. Similar to the other groups, Clean Clothes Campaign works with lawmakers and lobbyists, yet, it also brings consumers into the conversation through education.
