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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202-219-8211.
Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich today announced that four
national retail outlets owned and operated by the Gap are being added to the
Fair Labor Fashion Trendsetter list. The list recognizes national retailers and
manufacturers who are making efforts to prevent the exploitation of U.S.
garment workers.
The Gap, GapKids, Banana Republic and Old Navy Clothing
Store bring the total number of companies recognized to 35.
"The Gap has been a leader in fashion and style since
bursting on the national scene," Reich said. "Today it is also recognized as a
leader in efforts to protect thousands of garment workers who produce the
clothes it sells."
Reich released his first installment of Trendsetter
companies on Dec. 5. The Gap was added to the list after announcing it would
take additional steps to protect workers in its contract shops from
exploitation.
The Gap stores were selected for recognition because they
monitor the labor practices of manufacturers and contractors who produce their
clothing.
"When I first met with retailers just a few months ago
there was little enthusiasm for embracing the cause of eradicating sweatshops,"
Reich said. "But many of the nation's leading companies have since come forward
to say they want to help. I encourage more retailers and manufacturers to come
on board the Trendsetter movement."
Reich said today efforts by The Gap and other leading
retailers named as Trendsetters are especially critical in today's
environment.
"Enforcement efforts by the Department are especially
hamstrung by the current government shutdown and face the long term threat of
severe budget cuts," Reich said. "With 800 investigators to police 6.5 million
workplaces, government alone cannot solve this problem. We need the economic
power of major national retailers and manufacturers to bring about long overdue
change in this industry."
Fair Labor Fashion Trendsetters
Abercrombie and Fitch
Baby Superstore
Banana Republic
Bergner's
Boston Stores
Brylane
Cacique
Carson Pirie Scott
Dana Buchman
Elisabeth
Express
Galyans Trading
Gap
GapKids
Gerber Childrenswear
Guess Inc.
Henri Bendel
Jessica McClintock Lands End
Lane Bryant
Lerner New York
Levi Strauss and Co.
Limited Too
Liz Claiborne Inc.
Mast Industries
Nicole Miller
Nordstrom's
Old Navy Clothing Store
Patagonia
Penhaligon's
Structure
Superior Surgical Mfg.
The Limited
Victoria's Secret
Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
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