La Poste Suisse was the first large company in Switzerland to commit to the Fair Wear Foundation in 2012. Since last year, all its clothing purchases, i.e. about 300,000 pieces a year, are covered by a social responsibility and sustainable development program. It implies a long-term commitment and increased controls of working standards among foreign suppliers. After an introduction phase, the company’s assessment of this method is positive, especially as it is starting to influence the company’s entire purchasing policy.
From the “Social Code” to FWF affiliation. In the early 2000s, when the first reports and articles on the terrible working conditions in the textile industry were first published, the management of Poste Suisse decided to think about the environmental and social dimension of its clothing purchases. Indeed, 37,000 of its 60,000 employees wear special outfits paid by the company, which buys about 300,000 pieces a year from about 15 suppliers.
Do you have information to share with us?