FIFA and representatives of the international trade union movement, from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions ICFTU, the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation ITGLWF, and the International Federation of Commercial, Clerical, Professional and Technical Employees (FIET) have agreed on the text of a Code of Labour Practice for the production of footballs carrying the FIFA authorised marks , in a continuing effort to eliminate the use of child labour and other exploitative practices.

The Code is also to be presented to the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, which will be holding a special conference on child labour in London in November, with a view to engaging the industry's active co-operation and support in this process.

Take a look on their child labour site

In addition to agreeing on the text of the Code of Labour Practice, FIFA and the Unions also concurred on the necessity for effective independent monitoring to ensure that its principles were respected at all levels of the industry, and discussed practical ways of achieving this. There was also discussion of the introduction of alternative ways of achieving this. There was also discussion of the introduction of alternative education and training for children removed from the football producing industry; and the meeting welcomed a written statement from the United States Secretary of Labour, Robert B. Reich, confirming support for such a programme.

The meeting in Zurich was also attended by the Deputy Director General of the International Labour Office, Mr. Kari Tapiola, invited by FIFA and the unions as an observer. The meeting recognised the importance of the continuing support of the ILO in achieving, as rapidly as possible in view of the complex difficulties involved, the objective of putting a stop to the exploitation of the children and their replacement in the workforce by unemployed adults.

FIFA Communications Division
Zurich, 3-9-96

- Agreed between the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), International Textile, Garment and Leather Worker's Federation (ITGLWF) and International Federation of Commercial, Clerical, Professional and Technical Employees (FIET). Having concurred on the necessity for effective independent monitoring to ensure that the Code is respected at all levels, and on the need for education and training for children removed from the football producing industry, the above organisations are continuing discussions on practical measures to achieve these objectives. -

Code of Labour Practice for production of Goods Licensed by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

PREAMBULE

In line with its guiding principles of fair play and ethical conduct, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), recognises its responsibilities to consumers for the quality of products produced under its licensing arrangements, and to workers involved in the making of FIFA licensed products for the conditions under which these products are made.

Each licensee participating in the FIFA Denominations Programme must agree, as a condition of the license agreement, to ensure that the workers producing these products are provided with fair wages and decent working conditions, and that the international labour standards established by Conventions 29, 87, 98, 100, 105, 111 and 138 of the International Labour Organisation are observed.

Licensees further agree to ensure that these conditions and standards are observed by each contractor and subcontractor in the production and distribution of FIFA-licensed products or components of these products. Licensees should, prior to placing orders with suppliers or engaging contractors and subcontractors, assess whether the provisions of this Code can be met.

Each licensee licensed by FIFA under the FIFA Denominations Programme, and each contractor and subcontractor engaged by the Licensee, shall compulsorily implement and respect the following principles in the production and/or distribution of products bearing the FIFA name and/or FIFA authorised marks. Further more, each Licensee shall warrant that these principles shall be equally imposed upon all those employed or delegated by such Licensee.

EMPLOYEMENT IS FREELY CHOSEN.

There shall be no use of forced or bonded labour (ILO Conventions 29 and 105).

THERE IS NO DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYEMENT

Equality of opportunity and treatment regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, nationality, social origin or other distinguishing characteristic shall be provided (ILO Conventions 100 and 111).

CHILD LABOUR IS NOT USED

There shall be no use of child labour. Only workers above the age of 15 years shall be engaged (ILO Convention 138).

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND THE RIGHT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ARE RESPECTED

The right of workers to form and join trade unions and to bargain collectively shall be recognised (ILO Conventions 87 and 98). Employers should recognise the constructive contribution of trade unions to preventing exploitation and adopt a positive approach towards the activities of trade unions and an open attitude towards their organisational activities.

FAIR WAGES ARE PAID

Wages and benefits paid shall meet at least legal or industry minimum standards and should be sufficient to meet basic needs and provide some discretionary income.

HOURS OF WORK ARE NOT EXCESSIVE

Hours of work shall comply with applicable laws and industry standards. Workers shall not on a regular basis be required to work in excess of 48 hours per week nor more than 12 hours overtime, and shall be provided with at least one day off for every 7 day period.

WORKING CONDITIONS ARE DECENT

A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided, and best occupational health and safety practice shall be promoted, bearing in mind licensees, contractors and subcontractors' knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards.

THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP IS ESTABLISHED

Employers should endeavour to provide regular and secure employment and refrain from the excessive use of temporary or casual labour. Obligations to employees arising from the regular employment relationship should not be avoided through the use of labour-only subcontracting arrangements, or through apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent to impart skills or provide regular employment. Younger workers should be provided the opportunity to participate in education and training programmes.

IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

Licensees, their contractors and subcontractors shall undertake to support and cooperate in the implementation and monitoring of this code by :

· providing FIFA or its agent with relevant information concerning their operations ;
· permitting inspection at any time of their workplaces and operations by approved inspectors ;
· maintaining records of the name, age, hours worked and wages paid for each worker and making these available to approved inspectors on request ;
· informing, verbally and in writing, the workers concerned of the provisions of this code ; and,
· refraining from disciplinary action, dismissal or otherwise discriminating against any worker for providing information concerning observance of this Code

Any licensee, contractor or subcontractor found to be in breach of one or more terms of this Code of Labour Practice shall thus be subject to a range of sanctions up to and including withdrawal of the right to produce or organise production of FIFA-licensed goods. Furthermore, licensees who fail to ensure that their contractors or subcontractors abide by the Code of Labour Practice shall be subject to the same range of sanctions.

Questions as to the interpretation of the meaning of the provisions of this Code shall be received according to the procedure outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding on the Code of Labour Practice between FIFA and the ICFTU/ITGLWF/FIET.