Italy, a global leader in luxury fashion, has stepped up efforts to address longstanding concerns over labour exploitation within its supply chain. Leading fashion brands, trade unions, and legal authorities recently signed a voluntary memorandum aimed at increasing transparency and accountability across the industry.
Key Aspects of the Accord:
-
Supplier Database: A voluntary database will allow suppliers to report on tax compliance and adherence to labour laws. Updates will be required every six months.
-
Brand Advocacy: Fashion houses are encouraged to raise awareness of the platform among their suppliers, pushing for widespread adoption.
-
Transparency Certification: Compliant suppliers will receive a renewable six-month transparency certificate issued by Lombardy’s regional government.
-
Reducing Judicial Oversight: The initiative hopes to minimize court interventions by fostering voluntary compliance with ethical practices.
The agreement follows high-profile cases of labour violations in which underpaid workers, often undocumented, were found producing luxury items for major brands. This included a Valentino unit recently placed under judicial oversight. Milan prosecutors described these labour practices as a “generalised manufacturing method” aimed at profit maximization at the expense of human rights.
Fabio Roia, President of Milan’s court system, emphasized the goal of preventing further judicial involvement by promoting industry-driven reforms.
This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring fair treatment of workers, reducing labour abuse, and safeguarding the reputation of Italy’s esteemed fashion sector.