Independent Monitoring Working Group
Final Report on Independent Monitoring
in Central America

May 24, 2002

Introduction

The following is the final report on the activities of the Independent Monitoring Working Group (IMWG). The report focuses on the progress of independent monitoring programs in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

The IMWG, established in 1995, is comprised of three non-governmental organizations and one public company: Business for Social Responsibility Education Fund (BSREF), Center for Reflection, Education and Action (CREA), the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), and Gap Inc.

The IMWG's work supplements Gap Inc.'s existing monitoring program by working with Central American factory owners and managers to ensure compliance with national laws and Gap Inc's Code of Vendor Conduct. The IMWG has ceased its formal operations, and all members have agreed that the group has successfully achieved its initial goal of exploring the viability of independent monitoring in Central America. This is evidenced by the establishment of pilot projects in each of the countries where the IMWG made an effort to do so. Public reporting regarding the results of monitoring will be collected and published by each independent monitoring group respectively as the programs develop.

When the IMWG began its work more than six years ago, there had been no efforts to develop a collaborative approach to monitoring factory conditions. We began our work in the midst of a public debate about the value and feasibility of such an approach. The many parties to the debate at that time had very little experience working together, and indeed there had been little dialogue between companies, their suppliers, NGOs throughout the Americas, and governments.

We are pleased that we have been able to make a contribution to the greater understanding of how various sectors can bring their diverse experiences to the common challenge of ensuring that contracting apparel factories, in the words of the IMWG's original charter, reflect "fair, productive, and harmonious" conditions.

We are quite pleased that, building on our initial exploration of independent monitoring and cross-sectoral collaboration, there are numerous examples, large and small, of dialogue and cooperation, in all parts of the world. Additional local capacity has been built in both the non-profit and private sector to conduct further work towards that goal.

Each of the constituent members of the IMWG looks forward to continuing to play a role in advancing towards those goals.

Central American Independent Monitoring Updates

Honduras

Independent Monitoring was formally established at three Gap Inc. supplier factories in Honduras as of January 2002. The following provides a brief description of the organizations that joined together to carry out monitoring efforts in Honduras.

The Honduran Independent Monitoring Team (EMIH) is an initiative comprised of two organizations with a history of promoting the economic and social rights of working people in Honduras. EMIH consists of The Reflection, Research and Communication Team of the Society of Jesus (ERIC), a Jesuit organization with a history of work in the field of labor rights, and the Honduran Women's Collective (CODEMUH), a women's rights organization.

For several years, both organizations have been carrying out a range of programs to support workers in the industrial parks, including research, education, legal support and sexual, reproductive and occupational health training. ERIC and CODEMUH have substantial experience documenting working conditions and labor rights violations in apparel factories in Honduras.

Since the last report, agreement was reached with both organizations regarding monitoring methodology, reporting, communication and confidentiality. Meetings were held with the Honduran Maquiladora Association and relevant factory management. EMIH presented the organization to workers in each factory and has begun the initial stages of data collection in each factory. EMIH will release two semi-annual public reports.

El Salvador

In June 2001, The IMWG expanded monitoring into three additional Gap Inc. supplier factories in El Salvador with GMIES (El Grupo de Monitoreo Independiente de El Salvador). Monitoring continues at the original factory.

GMIES will publish a public report on compliance with Gap Inc.'s Code of Vendor Conduct and local laws, in all four factories through May 2002. The GMIES annual public report is expected to be released soon.

Guatemala

In August 2001, COVERCO (The Commission for the Verification of Corporate Codes of Conduct) released its first public report on monitoring in two Gap Inc. supplier factories. A copy of the public report may be found at www.coverco.org.

In November and December 2001 the IMWG expanded the COVERCO monitoring project to include three additional Gap Inc. supplier factories in Guatemala.

Additional public reports will be released per COVERCO's public reporting methodology in the future.

Rewards of Partnership

Building Trust

One of the keys to the success of the IMWG was the establishment of trust between all organizations involved in the process. The building of a constructive working partnership between the organizations allowed for constructive dialogue, even when faced with difficult situations and differing points of view. Without a high level of trust, the IMWG's achievements would not have been possible.

One Voice

Throughout the process the IMWG has spoken with one voice. Members respected this principle, which ensured that IMWG members put their institutional agendas aside, respected one another and acted with a focus on the work at hand.

Collaboration

The positive contribution of this project is the result of a collaborative approach to involving in-country independent monitoring groups and the IMWG. All parties have been committed to the process of improving working conditions in supplier factories.

The IMWG experience demonstrates that non-profit organizations and companies can constructively engage each other to reach mutually beneficial solutions to challenging problems.

Institutional Thanks

The members of the IMWG would like to thank GMIES, COVERCO, Episcopal Church of Honduras, CODEMUH and ERIC for the collaboration, time and energy they have contributed to this process.

The IMWG would also like to thank the General Service Foundation for their financial contribution to this project from 1998-2000.

Each member of IMWG has devoted a considerable amount of monetary and non-monetary resources to this project. Without the dedication of all members, this project would not have been possible.

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