Kathmandu has become the first business in Australia and New Zealand to join the Fair Labor Association (FLA) as part of a move to enhance its' commitment to social compliance.
The move will require Kathmandu to bring its compliance program into alignment with FLA's obligations within three years including an examination of the business' supply chains starting with major first tier suppliers.
During this period, Kathmandu will be responsible for completing self-assessments and disclosing its suppliers with results published on the FLA website.
In a statement, the company said that it was committed to using suppliers who respected workers' rights and auditing the employment practices and working conditions of its supplier group.
“Our board and management are dedicated to having a sustainable supply chain and while we have made measurable improvements, we recognise there is more work to be done.
“The FLA supplies a deep dive analysis of supply chain management and they will provide training and resources to help develop and improve our compliance programs.
FLA president Claudia Coenjaerts said the group looked forward to the opportunity to assess Kathmandu's factory conditions and work together to advance worker's rights and provide feedback.
“As an affiliate of the FLA, Kathmandu has committed to compliance with the FLA workplace code of conduct and to transparency which means that the FLA publicly discloses the findings of all of our factory assessments.
“We look forward to working together with Kathmandu to advance workers' rights, and on evaluating their social compliance program for accreditation with the FLA.”