Fair Wear Foundation (Fair Wear) is a multi-stakeholder organization that works with garment brands, garment workers, and industry influencers to improve working conditions in garment factories.
The Fair Wear Code of Labour Practices contains eight labour standards based on the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. It is known for its strong provisions on freedom of association, hours of work, and a living wage.
Fair Wear encourages change by conducting brand performance checks, audits, and training and by operating complaints helplines in 11 production countries (Bangladesh, Bulgaria, India, Indonesia, North Macedonia, Myanmar, Romania, Tunisia, Turkey, and Vietnam).
The Dutch trade union FNV, together with the Clean Clothes Campaign, was at the initiative of this Foundation.
The Fair Wear Foundation has a multi-stakeholder board in which industry associations, trade unions, and NGOs are almost equally represented. In practical terms, trade union representatives hold two seats (one for the Vice Chairperson), one is granted to an NGO representative, and four seats are held by business or employer associations representing retailers and manufacturers. The chairperson is an independent person.
The committee of experts comprises the same categories of organizations as the Board. Its role is to advise the Board on code implementation and verification, cooperation, and any other policy issues.