Eliminate the use of precarious employment in sportswear supply chains

The use of short-term contract or casual labour has become widespread in the industry. Workers on short-term contracts are often ineligible for basic protections and benefits, and in most instances cannot form unions. Short-term or casual workers who try to improve conditions can be easily – and legally – dismissed at the end of their contract, making them especially vulnerable. More and more employers are also hiring workers through third-party contracting agencies that act as the legal employer of the worker – even though the workers are still, for all intents and purposes, performing regular duties at the factory. The use of third-party labour contractors creates additional insecurity for workers who have few protections under the arrangement.

Sportswear companies need to: