Protecting worker rights in global supply chains

At an information session of the 2013 International Labour Conference, trade union representatives criticized the practice of social audits and workplace certification for failing to protect worker rights, particularly in global supply chains. They welcomed the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh that aims to prevent tragedies like the Ran Plaza factory building collapse in which over 1100 workers died. Negotiated between IndustriALL Global Union, UNI Global Union, and over 40 global clothing retailers, it is a legally binding agreement with real consequences for non-compliance. Panellists at the information session included Brian Finnegan, Global Worker Rights Coordinator at AFL-CIO and author of the report "Responsibility Outsourced: Social Audits, Workplace Certification and Twenty Years of Failure to Protect Worker Rights"; Jeffrey Vogt, Legal Advisor at the International Trade Union Confederation; Alke Boessiger, Head of UNI Commerce at UNI Global Union; and Jenny Holdcroft, Policy Director at IndustriALL Global Union.