Gap Inc. investigates child labor claims

SAN FRANCISCO Gap Inc. Sunday responded to media reports on the use of child labor in an unauthorized facility, that was responsible for a single product for Gap.

According to the company, last week it learned of an allegation of child labor at a facility in India that was working on one product for GapKids. An investigation was immediately launched. The company noted that a very small portion of a particular order placed with one of its vendors was apparently subcontracted to an unauthorized subcontractor without the company’s knowledge or approval. Gap Inc. added that was in direct violation of the company’s agreement with the vendor under its Code of Vendor Conduct.

“We strictly prohibit the use of child labor. This is a non-negotiable for us – and we are deeply concerned and upset by this allegation. As we’ve demonstrated in the past, Gap has a history of addressing challenges like this head-on, and our approach to this situation will be no exception," said Marka Hansen, president of Gap North America.

Hansen added that in 2006 Gap Inc. ended business deals with 23 factories due to code violations.

“As soon as we were alerted to this situation, we stopped the work order and prevented the product from being sold in stores. While violations of our strict prohibition on child labor in factories that produce product for the company are extremely rare, we have called an urgent meeting with our suppliers in the region to reinforce our policies," Hansen said.