Gap Reveals Human Rights Conditions

Fast Company | Gap’s New Look: The See-Through

On May 12, Gap Inc. released a report that had jaws dropping in corporate boardrooms and activist corridors across the land. The 40-page “social-responsibility report” details, with unflinching honesty, the problems the $6.5 billion clothing retailer found in the 3,000 factories it contracted to produce clothing for its Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic brands. The company discovered persistent wage, health, and safety violations in most regions where it does business, including China, Africa, India, and Central and South America. The infractions range from failure to provide proper protective equipment to physical abuse and “psychological coercion.” Though discoveries of the worst violations (such as child labor) were rare, Gap reported that it had pulled its business from 136 factories and turned down bids from more than 100 others when they failed to meet its labor standards.

I like seeing a company like the Gap realizing that social advocacy can be a competitive advantage, and not viewing it as just an added burden. Fashion seems like one of the industries where being seen as a responsible citizen could very well elevate you into the rank of “cool” companies. I wish them good luck, and hope that people (and shareholders) will honestly hold them accountable – giving them credit for accomplishments, and keeping their mind on their stated goals.