Decade-long shareholder engagement produces meaningful progress on human rights protections in retail supply-chain.
New York, N.Y.// July 20, 2011/// Members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) welcome the news that Macy’s now carries several collections of decorative rugs certified by the nonprofit organization GoodWeave as child-labor-free. By making a commitment to root out human rights abuses within their vast supply chain, Macy’s shows uncommon leadership and paves the way for peers in the retail sector.
Recognizing that manufacturers of woven products commonly use forced labor, in 2000 ICCR members began pressing several of the large retailers in their portfolios to ensure that the products they were importing from overseas were ethically sourced. One such engagement included Federated Department Stores, where the discussions centered on the use of child labor in the manufacturing of carpets.
Said Rev. David Schilling, ICCR Program Director for Human Rights, “We are only too aware of the potential for human trafficking and modern day slavery abuses in these industries and have been engaging companies on sweatshop labor since the 1980’s. For large retailers who source products from all over the world, heightened vigilance and protective measures that ensure an ethical supply chain are absolutely essential. Knowing the potential material and reputational risks, as investors we are pleased that Macy’s is staking out a leadership position in eradicating child labor in the handmade carpet industry.”
Over the last decade, talks with Federated, which later became Macy’s Inc., included opportunities for the staff of GoodWeave (formerly RugMark) to join the discussions and speak to forced child labor used in the carpet making industry. Nina Smith, Executive Director of GoodWeave USA, joined these discussions with not only on the ground experience but also with the offer of an alternative: the GoodWeave certification label on the back of the carpet. GoodWeave ensures that no child labor is used in the making of a carpet or rug and that a percentage of the sales of certified products support child rescue, rehabilitation and education.
"As one of the world's largest and most respected retailers, Macy's has taken a pioneering step in social responsibility by making GoodWeave certified rugs available to its customers,” Nina Smith of GoodWeave. “This is a turning point for our organization and the certification movement, demonstrating that ethically certified products are no longer confined to a niche market. Scaling up is not only possible, it’s necessary."
Said ICCR member Pat Zerega, “As a nationally recognized brand and a major buyer across the globe, Macy’s has enormous influence both on the sector and the public. Its decision to carry and promote GoodWeave certified collections will undoubtedly make an impact on how people buy and sell rugs and, hopefully, lead other retailers to scrutinize their supply chains.”
To learn more about the exclusive collection of GoodWeave decorative rugs, visit the mobile website http://m.goodweave.org/macys/. For general information on GoodWeave, please visit www.GoodWeave.org
CONTACT:
Susana McDermott
Director of communications, ICCR
212-870-2938
smcdermott@iccr.org
About the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR):
Currently celebrating its 40th year, ICCR is the pioneer coalition of active shareholders who view the management of their investments as a catalyst for change. Its 300 member organizations with over $100 billion in AUM have an enduring record of corporate engagement that has demonstrated influence on policies promoting justice and sustainability in the world.
