Gap Inc. Launches Sweatshop Enquiry

A major international clothing chain has launched an enquiry into claims that its suppliers are using child labour. Gap Inc, which sells its branded clothes worldwide, is meeting with suppliers to investigate accusations of children being used in sweatshops. The company has already terminated a contract with one Indian factory. Gap president Marka Hansen told reporters, “It’s deeply, deeply disturbing to all of us… I feel violated, and I feel very upset and angry with the subcontractor who made this very, very, very unwise decision.” Gap said it will not sell the garments made in this factory in its stores. There are fears that some of the abused children are as young as ten. Reports are that the children work 16 hours a day, often without pay. Factory bosses supposedly beat them with rubber pipes and put oily cloths in their mouths when they cried.
The chain has 3,000 shops across the globe and is keen to keep its image clean. Senior executive Dan Henkle said, “Our team in India is conducting a full investigation, and we have already made sure the products will never be sold. Although violations of our strict prohibition on child labour are extremely rare, we are calling for an urgent meeting with all suppliers in this region to reinforce this policy.” Hansen, meanwhile, wanted the world to know she was taking the matter seriously. She told CNN: “Gap has a history of addressing challenges like this head-on, and our approach to this situation will be no exception.” She added, “In 2006, Gap ceased business with 23 factories due to Code of Vendor Conduct violations. We have 90 people located around the world whose job it is to ensure compliance with our code.”