India: Target Corp. to tackle forced labour with worker surveys
As part of its commitment to responsible sourcing, US department store retailer Target Corp has embarked on an 18-month project in northern India, aimed at tackling forced labour in its supply chain. The project invites migrant workers from eight factories and ten villages to participate in free and anonymous Laborlink surveys focused on working and living conditions and recruitment practices...An initiative powered by US-based non-profit Good World Solutions, Laborlink is a mobile platform that establishes a two-way communication channel for migrant workers to share opinions and needs in real-time, and for organisations to send educational messages directly to workers. It already operates alongside a number of apparel brands and retailers including Primark, C&A, Marks & Spencer, Levi Strauss Foundation, American Eagle Outfitters, and a partnership with the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety...[However,] Target's partnership will be the first to use Laborlink at this scale to gather information on factors of forced labour at the community level.