2020
Ending Unethical Brand and Retailer Behaviour
The Supply Chain Speaks Up
When the Transformers Foundation was created at the beginning of 2020, we planned to focus our first annual report and recommendations on environmental issues. Then the COVID-19 crisis happened. We believe environmental issues are crucial, but the crisis has exposed how deep the cracks in the supply chain go. We have a rare window of opportunity to fix the power differential that allowed brands, retailers, and importers to walk away from their contracts with suppliers without almost any consequence. More than just enforcing contracts, we hope to build ethics and care into an industry that right now seems to have very little of either.
We must transform the denim industry to share profits and risks fairly across the supply chain. In short, suppliers' disrespect and exploitation mean disrespect, exploitation, and mass layoffs of garment workers. We must do better.
THE INTENT OF THE REPORT
Identify the causes of the problematic relationship and power imbalance between brands and denim suppliers.
Put forth actionable, effective, and realistic solutions beyond the immediate crisis to enact long-term change.
Our hope is that if the stakeholders come together to follow our recommendations and find success, the denim industry can inspire the rest of the apparel and accessories industry as we look toward a more just and equitable future.
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We have a situation in which the suppliers, and hence the garment workers, have to rely on the voluntary benevolence of large companies that are accountable to no one except money. This is untenable. We surely need to have some say in our own destiny; our survival cannot be in the lap of the gods.
– Bangladesh denim mill owner, Mostafiz Uddin for The Daily Star
