This is probably the most common question that the CCC hears. So the Dutch and Belgian CCCs have sought to provide some answers – and in some imaginative ways. To help consumers learn more about brands and retailers and what they’re doing – or not doing – to ensure that labour rights are respected, the Dutch CCC developed ‘Modepoly’, a Monopoly-like game focused on ethical fashion.

Modepoly uses four criteria to measure a company’s commitment to protecting labour rights in its supply chain: participation in a multi-stakeholder initiative; support for a living wage; transparency; and independent monitoring and verification of working conditions. The Dutch CCC conducted its own survey and supplemented it with research made available by the international consumer organization, ICRT.

Through the on-line version of the game, players can send a message directly to a company to ask about the efforts the company is making to ensure that working conditions are adequately monitored. They can also inquire whether workers’ freedoms are protected and whether they can support themselves on their wages.

Meanwhile, with its report We Want Clean Clothes!, CCC Belgium offers an overview of 33 companies and their performance on respecting labour standards in their supply chains. There is no ‘good’ list or ‘bad’ list; rather the report offers a nuanced evaluation intended to educate consumers and inspire companies to do better. There is also discussion of trends in the industry, such as the surprising fact that every company now has a code of conduct.

The most common weakness among the companies was their lack of engagement with workers themselves, and the lack of transparency and information available to consumers. We Want Clean Clothes! is available in both Flemish and French.

www.modepoly.org
www.schonekleren.be
www.vetementspropres.be