The FLA Charter Agreement lays the foundation for the creation of an independent monitoring system that will hold companies publicly accountable for their labor practices, as well as those of their principal contractors and suppliers around the world. The WRC operates by means of public disclosure, verification of worker complaints, proactive investigations of regions and companies with a history of violations, and a network of local organizations in regions where licensed goods are produced. The report is then reviewed by the company, as well as by the executive director of the FLA, but there is no public disclosure of the reports from any inspections. This network will allow the WRC to inform workers of their rights under applicable codes of conduct and will allow workers to report conditions securely and confidentially. The WRC does not allow the participation of companies in the development or practice of inspections.
Inspections are unannounced.
The WRC is organized specifically for university membership. An advisory council consists of 20 representatives who have significant expertise in the issues surrounding worker abuses in the apparel industry and independent verification of labor standards in apparel factories. These representatives are from academic institutions, NGOs, and worker groups. It also accredited its first independent external monitor. Verite, a non-profit organization based in Amherst, Massachusetts, was approved to monitor in 14 countries.