The Americas Group
The Americas Group was a multi-stakeholder forum composed of international brands and manufacturers and labour rights organizations working together to promote and support socially responsible apparel and footwear industries and decent work in the Americas.
Prior to closing in 2026, the Americas Group had two standing working committees:
- The Mexico Committee (2006 - 2026) focused on promoting greater respect for freedom of association (FOA) and the right to bargain collectively, identifying and finding solutions to common wage violations, and preventing and addressing gender-based discrimination, harassment and violence. For this work, the Committee drew on the knowledge and experience of Mexican labour experts and labour and human rights organizations.
- The Central America Committee (2015 - 2026) engaged with trade union and women’s organizations in El Salvador and Honduras to address priority issues of garment workers. Collaborative efforts focused on increasing access to affordable and quality childcare for working parents, promoting respect for freedom of association and the right to bargain collectively, and addressing sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination at work. Additional concerns raised in regular dialogue sessions included factory closures, severance and contract practices, and health and safety policies that had failed to adequately address workers’ chronic illnesses and ergonomic-related injuries.
The Americas Group’s work and finances were overseen by a Coordinating Committee that included representatives of participating organizations. The Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) acted as the Secretariat.
The work of the Americas Group was financed through annual contributions from participating companies, as well as special project funding for research and multi-stakeholder convenings on labour reform in Mexico and childcare in Central America.
When the Americas Group closed in 2026, participating companies and organizations included: adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, Bella+Canvas, C&A, Carhartt, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fanatics, Gap Inc., Gildan Activewear, Hanesbrands Inc., Levi Strauss & Co., L2 Brands, New Balance, Next Level Apparel, Nike, Patagonia, PopSockets, PUMA, SanMar, Tegra Global, Under Armour, Unrivaled Teamwear, VF Corporation, Fair Labor Association, and MSN.
Americas Group Annual Reports
