Improving Conditions for Migrant Workers in Taiwan’s Textile Sector
January 27, 2025 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and Fair Labor Association (FLA) are leading a coalition of global apparel companies to promote responsible recruitment and employment in Taiwan’s textile sector. This initiative is part of the
Commitment to Responsible Recruitment and is focused on increasing ethical sourcing in global apparel, footwear, and travel goods supply chains by eliminating recruitment fees and other practices that put migrant workers at risk for forced labor and other labor abuses.
Objectives of the initiative
The objective is to improve conditions for migrant workers in Taiwan’s textile sector by eliminating fees for recruitment and addressing other workplace issues. This initiative is part of the broader collective work that is supported by the Commitment to Responsible Recruitment. One important part of this ongoing effort is working together to eliminate conditions that can lead to forced labor in the countries from which we source products. We commit to work with our global supply chain partners to create conditions so that:
No worker pays for their job;
All workers receive a timely refund of fees and costs paid to obtain or maintain their job;
All workers retain control of their travel documents and have full freedom of movement; and
All workers are informed, in a language they understand, of the basic terms of their employment before leaving their country of origin.
Who is involved in the initiative
The initiative brings together more than 50 companies sourcing from Taiwan and their Taiwan-based suppliers, with the support of AAFA, FLA, and the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF).
Expected outcomes
Improved working conditions for migrant workers in Taiwan’s textile sector through immediate remediation of issues found in audits; adoption of the employer pays principle by employers; repayment of recruitment fees to workers; and adoption of other workplace policy changes.
Strengthened human rights due diligence (HRDD) of brands and suppliers through improved supply chain tracing and transparency to textile mills (generally Tier 2); improved brand and supplier policies and practices related to responsible recruitment of migrant workers; and robust stakeholder engagement.
Government advocacy that will lead to systemic changes in Taiwan as well as in those countries that provide migrant labor so that the improvements are scaled and sustained across the sector rather than in a few factories.