Recently, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) expressed its concern following the US Department of Labor’s decision to cancel all contracts for its Bureau of International Labour Affairs (ILAB). “ILAB’s importance to American workers and businesses is very significant for our members and their 3.5 million American workers,” stated AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar.
ILAB focuses on building institutions in various countries through grants, technical assistance, and direct support. This work is vital as it helps raise labor standards and reduces opportunities for less scrupulous foreign businesses to exploit labor abuses while American companies comply with regulations. “With the end of ILAB’s grants today [March 26], we will no longer be playing on an even playing field, but will be up against it,” Lamar added.
ILAB’s importance to American workers also includes training initiatives that educate workers on their rights, empowering them to resist exploitation. This training is provided directly by ILAB and through grants to partner organizations.
Additionally, ILAB deploys labor attachés to US embassies and establishes networks in key countries to offer real-time information, support, and resources for workers. These efforts help identify unfair competition and ensure that free trade agreements are upheld.
Importantly, ILAB is a major funder and manager of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Better Work program, which aims to implement strong labor regulations and transparency in key global markets. This initiative is crucial for leveling the playing field for American businesses.
“ILAB’s importance to American workers and businesses aligns with the values of the American people and the Trump administration,” noted Nate Herman, senior vice president of policy for the AAFA. He warned that eliminating all ILAB grants would disadvantage American businesses and workers, making them more susceptible to unfair competition from countries and businesses that do not adhere to the same laws and standards concerning child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, and other workplace abuses.
This week, the AAFA, along with other organizations, sent a letter to US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, urging her to reinstate an ILAB cotton agreement with Uzbekistan. This action follows a broader appeal to safeguard ILAB made on March 11, underscoring ILAB’s importance to American workers in maintaining fair labor practices globally.
