Global retailer Gap announced today it has been accepted into membership in the U.K.-based Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). Gap Inc. is the third U.S. corporation and the thirty-seventh company overall to join the alliance, which also currently includes 16 non-governmental organizations and relevant U.K. and global trade unions.

"Joining ETI is an important step in our ongoing efforts to evolve our program and find sustainable approaches that will improve garment factory working conditions around the world," said Anne Gust, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative and Compliance Officer for Gap Inc. "We realize we can't do this work alone. We look forward to learning from ETI members and working collaboratively to address global labour issues that affect workers in garment manufacturing and other sectors."

ETI works to identify and promote good practice in the implementation of corporate codes governing supply chain labour conditions, primarily in the food and clothing sectors. The group's ultimate goal is to ensure that conditions for workers producing goods for the U.K. market meet or exceed international labour standards. Gap Inc. has operated retail stores in the United Kingdom since 1987. ETI only accepts a company for membership following a rigorous review process to assess the company's commitment to implementing the ETI Base Code with its suppliers. All membership applications are approved by the organisation's board of directors.