The Better Cotton Standard System is a holistic approach to sustainable cotton production which covers all three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental and economic, and addresses the many challenges of cotton production. One of the seven Better Cotton Principles and Criteria directly addresses Decent Work and forced labour specifically. Decent Work is defined as work which offers fair pay, security and equal opportunities for learning and progression, in an environment where people feel safe, respected, and able to express their concerns or negotiate better conditions.
In order to adapt and respond to Decent Work challenges in cotton farming, wherever such challenges may arise, BCI is actively engaged in dialogue on Decent Work and forced labour issues with our stakeholders, including civil society organisations, retailers and brands, and expert organisations.
Task Force on Forced Labour and Decent Work
BCI is currently working to strengthen Better Cotton Principle Six: Decent Work and has set up an expert Task Force on Forced Labour and Decent Work to review selected elements of the Better Cotton Standard System. Based on this review, the Task Force will produce recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the system in identifying, preventing, mitigating and remediating forced labour risks.
Task Force Members
The Task Force on Forced Labour and Decent Work brings together representatives from civil society, retailers, brands and consultancies with a strong expertise in human rights and forced labour issues in supply chains, particularly in the textile sector. The Task Force also draws on the expertise of a project adviser with a background in tackling the risks of child and forced labour in cotton harvests at the International Labour Organization.
Civil Society
- Patricia Jurewicz, Founder and Vice President | Responsible Sourcing Network
- Shelly Han, Chief of Staff & Director or Engagement | Fair Labour Association
- Allison Gill, Cotton Campaign Coordinator | International Labor Rights Forum
- Isabelle Rogers, Global Cotton Programme Manager | Solidaridad
- Chloe Cranston, Business and Human Rights Manager | Anti-Slavery International
- Komala Ramachandra, Senior Researcher | Human Rights Watch
Consultancies / Research Organisations
- Rosey Hurst, Founder and Director | Impactt
- Aarti Kapoor, Managing Director | Embode
- Brett Dodge, Senior Consultant | Ergon
Retailers and Brands
- Fiona Sadler, Head of Ethical Trade (will temporarily represent M&S) | Lydia Hopton, Ethical Trade Manager | M&S Clothing and Home
- Aditi Wanchoo, Senior Manager – Development Partnerships Social & Environmental Affairs | adidas
- Jason Tucker, Director of Labor Performance, Sustainable Manufacturing & Sourcing | Nike
Project Advisors
- Stephen McClelland, Independent Senior Consultant
Find out more about the Task Force members here.
We will share updates on the progress of the Task Force as more information is available.
