**Canadian Corporate Watchdog Investigates Ralph Lauren Allegations of Forced Labor in China**
Ralph Lauren is facing an investigation by the Canadian corporate watchdog over allegations that the company used forced labor in its Chinese supply chain.
The probe, which was launched in January 2023, is being conducted by the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), an independent body that investigates allegations of human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), which alleged that Ralph Lauren had used forced labor in its Chinese factories.
In its complaint, the CLC cited a report by the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), a labor rights organization, which found that workers in Ralph Lauren’s Chinese factories were subjected to forced overtime, physical abuse, and other forms of mistreatment.
Ralph Lauren has denied the allegations and has said that it is committed to ensuring that its supply chain is free of forced labor.
The investigation by CORE is ongoing and it is not yet clear what the outcome will be.
However, the allegations against Ralph Lauren have raised concerns about the use of forced labor in the global fashion industry.
In recent years, there have been a number of reports of forced labor being used in the production of clothing and other goods in countries around the world.
These reports have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in the global supply chain.
The investigation by CORE is a significant step in the fight against forced labor in the global fashion industry.
It sends a clear message to companies that they will be held accountable for any human rights abuses in their supply chains.
It also sends a message to consumers that they have a role to play in fighting forced labor by demanding transparency and accountability from the companies they buy from.
**The following are some of the key findings of the WRC report that triggered the investigation by CORE:**
* Workers in Ralph Lauren’s Chinese factories were forced to work overtime, often without pay.
* Workers were subjected to physical abuse and other forms of mistreatment.
* Workers were not allowed to leave the factories during their shifts.
* Workers were not paid the minimum wage.
* Workers were not provided with adequate food and shelter.
Ralph Lauren has denied the allegations made in the WRC report and has said that it is committed to ensuring that its supply chain is free of forced labor.
However, the allegations against Ralph Lauren have raised concerns about the use of forced labor in the global fashion industry.
The investigation by CORE is a significant step in the fight against forced labor in the global fashion industry. It sends a clear message to companies that they will be held accountable for any human rights abuses in their supply chains. It also sends a message to consumers that they have a role to play in fighting forced labor by demanding transparency and accountability from the companies they buy from..
