Apparel Companies Flout Supply Chain Law
Janurary 1st of this year was the first date apparel companies operating out of California were required by law to demonstrate good faith efforts in the fight against human trafficking.
Yet over four months past the deadline, over a quarter of manufacturers are simply ignoring the law - with many more dramatically underperforming, according to a study from the University of Delaware.
“We could not find disclosures for one-quarter of the companies,” said lead researcher Dr. Marsha Dixon. “Half of the statements were far from obvious -- requiring consumers to delve deeply into the companies’ websites through inconspicuous links, such as about us, investor relations or library.”
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Given that the law had been considered by many as too timid to address the disturbing phenomenon of human trafficking in the U.S. apparel supply chain, the widespread flouting of the law by the industry demonstrates a sad lack of commitment to a basic social goal: no slavery in America anymore.
Legislators and other relevant public actors need to take the entire apparel community to task for failing to lead the way to a dignified way of life for workers in America.
