PWC to conduct independent monitoring of SGMA
Comprehensive independent monitoring of 31 Saipan garment manufacturers by one of the world’s premier professional services firms is set to begin next month under a new contract between the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association (SGMA) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).
Internationally recognized for their work to improve business excellence, PWC will provide monitoring compliance for SGMA members with the “Standards for the Treatment of Workers and Working Conditions and Standards for Living” set forth in the SGMA Code of Conduct.
Under a contract signed Sept. 27 by SGMA executive director Richard A. Pierce, the association will join other non-government organizations, such as advocacy groups, religious organizations and social service providers with PWC for a comprehensive external/independent monitoring program.
Thirty-one of the 34 factories on Saipan have joined SGMA to learn from international experts in labor law enforcement. All of the SGMA member factories will accept on-site monitoring inspection visits by PWC beginning Nov. 29, 1999.
PWC will perform a baseline assessment with follow-up visits when required.
PWC was chosen from 12 proposals received after SGMA advertised in the U.S. for qualified monitoring companies. The scope of their engagement includes collecting and analyzing facts and providing assessments of manufacturer compliance with the SGMA Code of Conduct.
The Factory Monitoring Program includes the following modules:
o Prohibition against Forced Labor
o Prohibition against Child Labor
o Prohibition against Harassment or Abuse
o Nondiscrimination
o Health and Safety
o Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
o Wages and Benefits
o Overtime Pay/Hours of Work
o Worker Dormitories/Freedom of Movement
o Compliance Principles
PWC will provide its analysis and findings to individual member companies and to the SGMA. A report will be prepared for public disclosure after the baseline study is complete. This is expected to be submitted in early January, 2000. All reports will list non-compliance with recommended corrective action.
