mission: The Fair Labor Association (FLA) is a non-profit organisation combining the efforts of industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), colleges and universities to promote adherence to international labour standards and improve working conditions worldwide.

The FLA was established as an independent monitoring system that holds its participating companies accountable for the conditions under which their products are produced. To advance fair, decent and humane working conditions, the FLA enforces an industry-wide Workplace Code of Conduct, which is based on the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

participants: there are currently 12 leading brand-name companies participating in the FLA. These are Adidas-Salomon, Eddie Bauer, GEAR for Sports, Gildan Activewear, Liz Claiborne, New Era Cap, Nordstrom, Nike, Patagonia, Puma, Reebok, Phillips-Van Heusen and Zephyr Graf-X. These companies have committed to a rigorous program of Workplace Standards implementation, monitoring and remediation in order to bring their manufacturing sites into compliance with FLA standards.

Colleges and universities join the FLA to promote fair and decent conditions in the production of goods bearing their logo. To date, there are over 175 colleges and universities affiliated with the FLA. These schools require their licensees to participate in the FLA licensee program.

Human and labour rights advocates and organisations continue to play an integral role in the FLA system. The NGO Advisory Council of the FLA, co-ordinated by Human Rights First, facilitates the involvement of local and international NGOs to help ensure that the implementation of Codes of Conduct ultimately results in worker empowerment and the meaningful protection of workers' rights.

internships: at different times of the year, the FLA offers unpaid internships and volunteer work to graduate and law school students who possess the skills necessary to complete discreet projects designed in co-operation with FLA staff. Please check the FLA website periodically. If you have other questions about how students can be involved in the FLA, please contact FLA University Liaison Kathy Stevens at kstevens@fairlabor.org.