What We're Doing

We're a co-operative business operating in a market economy. Our core purpose is not to maximize profit, but we are constrained by the same commercial principles as other retailers. Nonetheless, we believe business can advance human rights.

The goal of our Ethical Sourcing Program is to improve the human condition in factories. This is no small feat. The causes of worker infractions are complex, varied, and driven by flaws in our economy and society. Completely ending abuse of overtime, unlawful pay, and unsafe working conditions would require fundamental changes to factories, retailers, governments, economies, and to consumer's spending habits. Mindful of all this, we are working toward measured and incremental improvements.

Factory audit program conducted by MEC merchandisers, external auditors and the Fair Labor Association.

Corrective action that aims to find resolution by building trust, empowering workers and factory managers, and working with industry.

Suspension of Business with, and eventually letting go of, factories that fail to improve.

Accountability

Our Ethical Sourcing Program is run by a Director who reports directly to the CEO. At the Board level, a Sustainability Committee establishes and oversees the program's mandate and objectives. These are included in MEC Board Policies. The committee meets periodically with the Senior Manager to review audit results and progress. As a member of the Fair Labor Association, the program is also accountable to their independent monitoring. Beyond the program itself, ethical sourcing requirements are integrated into our product design philosophy and purchasing decisions.