Verifying compliance
Both Reebok and adidas have played a pivotal role in the formation of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), a tripartite organisation of companies, universities and NGOs dedicated to the sustainable improvement of workplace conditions. Through the FLA, we seek to provide verified information about our programme to stakeholders. As a participant in the FLA, the adidas Group commits to:
- The labour standards in the FLA code of conduct
- Extensive internal monitoring
- External monitoring by independent monitors
- Remediate and prevent instances of non-compliance
- Public reporting
- Participate in the FLA’s third-party complaint system.
In 2004 and 2005, the FLA accredited the individual compliance programmes of adidas and Reebok. This indicated that we satisfactorily completed an initial three-year implementation period. The FLA found that both brands were in ‘substantial compliance with FLA requirements to implement a rigorous workplace code of conduct in factories making the company’s products’.
In 2006, both brands remained individual participating companies in the FLA but under one operational management. In 2007, the adidas Group, including the adidas and Reebok brands, assumed the role of a single FLA participating company. This means the FLA evaluates the SEA programme as an integrated entity operating under a single management team, with a single, but enhanced set of policies and practice. The next FLA evaluation and programme re-accreditation is scheduled for 2008.
For the past six years FLA-accredited independent monitors have conducted monitoring visits to suppliers of the adidas Group. In 2007, FLA monitoring exercises included twelve monitoring audits and three external verification visits.
For more see the Performance data section on Audits and training.
- Apparel factory, Portugal
- Health and safety
- Through the FLA, we seek to provide verified information about our programme to stakeholders.