Italian Fashion Industry, Authorities Sign Pact Against Worker Exploitation

Italian authorities, fashion industry bodies, and trade unions have signed a non-legally binding action plan to combat worker exploitation in the country's luxury apparel and accessories supply chain. The initiative follows investigations revealing widespread abuses, including underpaid and undocumented immigrant workers subjected to hazardous conditions producing goods for brands like Dior, Armani, Valentino, and others. Central to the plan is the creation of a voluntary digital platform where supply chain companies must provide updated information on tax compliance, social security, and labor law adherence every six months. Fashion brands are required to promote the platform among their suppliers but are still permitted to work with non-participating subcontractors. Participating companies will receive a six-month renewable certificate of transparency, known as the "green badge," which aims to encourage ethical practices and reduce the need for judicial intervention. The agreement reflects a collective effort to improve supply chain oversight and worker protections in Italy's significant luxury fashion sector.