NO DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination of any employee or person who is working for the company is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: dicrimination based on “race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.” (ETI). The ILO includes HIV and homeworkers to this as well. (Convention No. 111 and No. 177)
A big focus of all standards is on wage discrimination between men and women. With a good portion of that focus on developed countries such as the United State and European countries.
Standards:
“Such legislation should not only provide for equal remuneration for equal, the same or similar work, but should also address situations where men and women perform different work that is nevertheless of “equal value”.” (ILO Convention No. 100, 1951)
“Convention requires ratifying States to make it an aim of national policy to enable persons with family responsibilities who are engaged or wish to engage in employment to exercise their right to do so without being subject to discrimination and, to the extent possible, without conflict between their employment and family responsibilities.” (ILO Convention No. 156, 1981)
“pregnant women and nursing mothers are not obliged to perform work which has been determined to be harmful to their health or that of their child, and to protect them against discrimination based on maternity.” (ILO Convention No. 183, 2000)
WFTO:
The WFTO has a great policy outlining discrimination with a huge focus on women! Just a side note, women workers make up a predominant part of the global garment industry (FashRev). Just going to list all the WFTO standards that cover women in the workforce!
“You provide equal pay for equal work, equal employment rights and benefits for women and men. ”
“You have a policy and plan to ensure that women as well as men are able to access the resources they need to be productive, take part in decision-making in your organisation and beyond, and take up leadership positions.”
“You give women the right, and support them, to become members of your organisation, become Producers or to attend trainings, and recognise their role in production even if they do not own assets such as land or equipment.”
“You encourage and support women to become visible and recognised, e.g. through organising themselves formally in producer groups, and you engage in prevention of violence against women and girls in the community”
“You respect all legal requirements for pregnant women and new mothers”
“...allowing time for breastfeeding...”
More Info:
Unfortunately, discrimination is prevalent in so many areas of present day society and the fashion industry is no different. Below are some links to organizations that help fight for garment workers rights.
Labour Behind The Label
Fashion Revolution
Human Rights Watch
Women in Informal Employment Globalizing and Organizing
Clean Clothes Campaign
International Labor Rights Forum