Camera della Moda Responds to New York Times Article on Italy’s Fashion Association

The National Chamber for Italian Fashion responded to an article in The New York Times on “shadow workers.” The article claimed, “thousands of low-paid homeworkers create luxury garments without contracts or insurance.” The acclaimed writer and author of “Story of the People” indicated that the Italian supply chain has been under attack for a long time. The Chamber and its members have been committed to making the supply chain more resilient, fair and humane. They agree that there is no easy solution, but they have established a working group on social sustainability and feel they have already made substantial gains. The groups’ goal is to work collaboratively. The President of the group, Carlos Capasa, told Womens Wear Daily, that he believes that their progress has been overlooked.

The article states that Italy does not have a minimum wage, which would add to the problems of irregular workers, but in fact Italy has the minimum wage and salaries that are set through negotiation and are regulated by law. Therefore, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Italy has the highest levels of trade union coverage when it comes to trade. They out rank countries such as the UK and the US.

The Camera and Capasa have been strong proponents of sustainability working on regulations, teachings and research. They believe dynamic progress of the supply chain will continue to transform.

– Ally Evans