A Conversation with Hulusi ?gütcüler

Leading up to FLA's 25th anniversary celebration this fall, each month we're sharing a one-on-one conversation with an FLA employee highlighting insights from their experience in the fair labor sector and their thoughts on the next 25 years of fair labor.

Before joining the Fair Labor Association, Hulusi ?gütcüler spent over ten years working under the umbrella of sustainability for global retail companies like M&S, H&M, and Fast Retailing. “Throughout my career, I was familiar with the FLA’s efforts in setting compliance standards and promoting workers' rights, and I always appreciated the impact they were making,” he remembers.?

Fast forward to 2019 when he began working at Fast Retailing as the Senior Regional Sustainability Manager. Fast Retailing, which includes brands such as Uniqlo and Theory, has been a Fair Labor Member since 2015 and accredited since 2019. In this role, Hulusi worked closely with FLA on remediation efforts and regional improvements, bringing him even closer to the organization, and in 2021 he officially joined our team. Initially, he served as the project manager for a FLA/UNICEF initiative, and since July 2022, he has been our social compliance manager for factory assessments.

Reflecting on nearly three years at the organization, he says that one of his favorite things about FLA is how connected and supportive the team is, regardless of the distance. Despite the wide geographic distribution of FLA staff all over the world, Hulusi says that everyone is always available when needed and the team’s experience with remote work has made communication seamless, “making me feel like we were all in the same office, no matter where we are.”

As FLA looks forward to the next 25 years, Hulusi believes the greatest opportunities in the fair labor landscape will stem from increased global awareness and advocacy for workers’ rights. “As consumers become more conscious of ethical sourcing and sustainability, there will be a growing demand for brands to adopt fair labor practices. This shift presents a significant opportunity for organizations like FLA to lead the way in setting and promoting standards that ensure fair treatment for workers across supply chains,” he explains.

Another opportunity he sees for building a fair labor future is the use of technology. He hopes that innovations in data collection and analysis can improve transparency in supply chains, making it easier to identify and address labor violations, and that digital platforms can facilitate better communication between workers and organizations, empowering workers to voice concerns and seek support.

But as he is quick to note, these opportunities come with major challenges — like navigating the complexity of global supply chains, especially as they become more interconnected and reliant on various regions. Another important factor he points out is that ensuring compliance with fair labor standards in different cultural and regulatory environment can be difficult.

Plus, as the landscape evolves, he adds that “we may face resistance from entities resistant to change, particularly in industries where profit margins are tight. Overcoming this resistance will require collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders, including brands, consumers, and advocacy organizations.”

Outside of work, Hulusi enjoys being surrounded by his beloved family and friends, listening to music, and pursuing his many hobbies like cycling, sailing, snowboarding, and motorsports. When asked to envision his perfect day, it begins with a bike ride along the coast, soaking in the beautiful views of Istanbul and feeling the sea breeze. Afterwards, he would grab a delicious brunch with friends at a cozy café before exploring a new and exciting hobby in the afternoon. He’d wind down with a relaxing evening with family or friends, perhaps watching a movie or reading a good book.

As for one big item on his bucket list, he would like to go diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Hulusi is intrigued by the vibrant underwater world and shares that he would love to experience the beauty of the ocean firsthand in such an incredible ecosystem with its coral reefs and diverse marine life.