GAP withdraws garments produced by Child Labour

Apparel major GAP is withdrawing garments sourced from India from it’s 3000 stores following allegations of child labour use by company sub contractor in New Delhi’s Shahpur Jat area. The action followed an undercover investigation showing the use of child labour to manufacture smocked blouses. The investigation revealed children as old as ten years were working for GAP subcontractor. The children are bought from their parents and worked in worst working conditions for long hours and not paid until the amount his family has received is recovered.
Union Commerce minister Kamal Nath said his officials would investigate the matter. He warned off retaliation if investigations revealed that fresh trade barriers were erected. GAP in response released a statement saying it was “unacceptable” to use children to produce garments and said, “It is clear one of our vendors violated this agreement”. GAP’s action has come amid signs of a fresh tide of anti-sweatshop activism building up in developed nations against low cost imports from India and China. The trade unions have long clambered atop concerns against child labour and low wages in developing countries to protect their own interests.
GAP will revoked approval of 23 factories in 2006 , WalMart and Target have adopted a tough stand against child labour and emphasize on good working conditions.