FWF members, factory directors, trade union and trade association representatives and auditors came together last week in Porto, to attend the first FWF stakeholder seminar in Portugal.
FWF’s Rosan van Wolveren and auditor and CSR consultant Melisa Cerizza explained the methodology of FWF. To most suppliers this was new and useful information. “It is good for them to know that in case of non-compliances, they are not on their own”, says Rosan. “They can try to solve the issues together with the brands.”
In the afternoon all stakeholder representatives got the chance to discuss the most common non-compliances in Portuguese garment factories. The biggest risk factors when it comes to garment sourcing in Portugal are overtime, subcontracting and health & safety issues.
25 FWF member companies are currently sourcing in Portugal, in over 100 factories. Portugal is considered by FWF as a low risk country. The seminar was partly held to establish if Portugal still falls under that category. FWF will soon publish a risk assessment that discusses this issue in greater detail.