Fair Labor Association (FLA)

The Fair Labor Association (FLA) is a voluntary organization that aims to improve working conditions in factories all over the world.  FLA is a multi-stakeholder initiative that invites participation from all organizations committed to promoting fair labor standards around the world – companies and brands, civil society organizations, colleges and universities, suppliers and manufacturers, conscientious retailers, and others. 

The purpose is to promote good working conditions and assure that the Human Rights Act adopted by the UN is respected and followed.  FLA partners with local civil society organizations, government agencies and trade unions to promote fair labor practices, resolve complaints, and conduct investigations of labor rights violations around the world.

FLA Requirements & Information:

1.       As a vendor for AAFES, Advantus must comply with the Exchange’s policy of Social Responsibility and Labor Standards. If acceptable evidence cannot be provided to AAFES to exempt the factory, a social audit must be conducted before the merchandise is manufactured for AAFES.

In order for the Exchange to exempt a factory from an Exchange social audit they must be able to provide that they belong to a social responsibility program.  Advantus Corp has elected to belong to FLA.

2.       Annual affiliation is required and runs from January 1 to December 31 each year.

3.       Begin communication with the Mercury Luggage factory about the Social Compliance audit for AAFES. The actual name of the factory is called Panyu Nansha Meriton.  Panyu Nansha  Meriton is the building that Wellong is located.  Work directly with Pola (sampson.intl@msa.hinet.net) who works for Sampson International Corp.    Pola is very familiar with AAFES’ audit requirements.  Pola will handle filling out the audit request form, submitting it to the audit company, and making sure the audit is performed before it expires.  When the report from Pola is received, it’s important to start immediately on any Corrective Action Plan so that AAFES has confidence in our responsiveness to any issues that may arise.

Company Account

Advantus is registered with the Fair Labor Association as a Category C affiliate.  The Affiliate ID is EN00QS-0005434.  Registration renewals are required annually prior to the expiration date in order for companies to remain active.  FLA registration operates on a calendar year basis (i.e. January to December)

Annual E learning

Annual FLA e-learning is a requirement for Category C Licensees.   As a Category C Licensee, Advantus is required to complete one e-Learning module per quarter on an ongoing basis.  The Fair Labor Association (FLA) began offering the e-Learning program in 2016 in order to provide social responsibility guidance through an interactive learning platform. The quarterly program requirement for B and C Licensees began in January 2018.  The FLA e-Learning program is designed to provide and reinforce social compliance knowledge for affiliates continually throughout the year. The intention is for affiliates to benefit by integrating the lessons and insights directly into their social compliance programs and business operations to support their commitment to social responsibility and better working conditions.

GENERAL INFORMATION
• PROGRAM: The e-Learning program contains a course catalog of approximately 70 lessons. There is a set curriculum with modules that are released on a quarterly basis. Each module contains three to seven lessons, which are approximately 15 minutes each, and a final quiz that the learner must pass. Lessons are available at all times.

• PARTICIPANTS: Staff with CSR/Sustainability/Social Compliance responsibilities should take the lessons. They should then share the knowledge internally during meetings and conversations. We recommend taking the courses in a group (i.e. ideally including your sourcing team) to discuss how the new knowledge can be applied to your business. • LANGUAGES: All lessons are available in Mandarin. There are also several lessons offered in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Bengali. Reach out to elearning@fairlabor.org with a specific language request.

• ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS: Additional accounts may be purchased (for FLA affiliates only) for a subsidized annual fee of $100.

• DEACTIVATION: Accounts may be deactivated after six months of inactivity, and you will be unable to access your account or reset your password once deactivated. Reach out to elearning@fairlabor.org to reactivate your account.

How to Obtain Copy of FLA Certificate After Completing Annual Registration

On the main page under “Online Payment”, you will see “Registration Certificate”. Click this to download the latest version of the certificate to share with customers that need a copy: