Recently, the Board of Directors for the Fair Labor Association (FLA) voted to approve the affiliation request of New Wave Group, parent company of Cutter & Buck.

The FLA is a nonprofit that works to promote adherence to international labor standards and improve working conditions worldwide.

Cutter & Buck has been a Category B member of the FLA since 2001. While Cutter & Buck's affiliation with the FLA has primarily involved the manufacturing of collegiate product, New Wave's membership will now include adherence for all apparel and footwear factories worldwide.

"We are encouraged by the positive direction of the FLA. We believe the FLA is one of the most progressive organizations addressing labor rights issues in the industry.

Our application and acceptance by the FLA signals our continued commitment to working together with our partner factories towards continuous improvement on compliance issues," said Jon Runkel, vice president of global sourcing and distribution for Cutter & Buck.

New Wave Group is currently operating an active factory monitoring program, with seven full-time auditors worldwide. By adopting the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct, New Wave has pledged to formally convey this code to all of its contractors, suppliers, management teams and employees worldwide.

In addition, New Wave Group has also outlined a two year implementation plan that has set goals for improved compliance in all New Wave factories.

"As a growing global company, New Wave Group is dedicated to ensuring that the manufacturing of all of our apparel and footwear is conducted in an environment where worker rights are respected and protected," said Runkel.