The Fair Labour Association (FLA) and the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) recently asked department of labour secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to “preserve, protect and promote” the Bureau of International Labour Affairs (ILAB) and its initiatives to defend workers.
In a letter to the secretary, FLA president and CEO Jeff Vockrodt and AAFA president and chief executive officer Steve Lamar said they depend on the work of ILAB, which operates internationally to guarantee a level-playing field for American workers.
Although 97 percent of all clothing, shoes, and accessories sold in the United States are imported, our sector directly employs 3.5 million Americans.
As indicated, ILAB’s efforts advance American firms’ and workers’ interests.
By strengthening labour standards, therefore eradicating child and forced labour and supporting freedom of association and collective bargaining, ILAB seeks to establish institutions in nations all around so that they may properly safeguard their workers.
Training given by ILAB helps employees to recognise their rights and know how to protect them. It guarantees a level playing field for American workers by enforcing the labour clauses in trade agreements, the letter added.
In addition, ILAB is a major donor and manager of the Better Work program of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), thereby promoting strong labour enforcement and openness in important nations all around.
As seen by the great support ILAB gets from both the American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organisations (AFL-CIO) and American industry, ILAB is a wonderful friend and valuable partner to both American workers and American business. The letter said.
