Center for Business and Human Rights | Manufacturing

Developed countries regulate manufacturing activity by enacting and enforcing labor and environmental laws. Historically, labor unions have played a strong role in negotiating protections for workers' rights and ensuring decent wages in developed countries.

Global supply chains link thousands of firms across cultural, political, and economic boundaries. In different industries - apparel, electronics, footwear, food, and toys, among others - the expansion of global supply chains has provided developing countries with much needed investment, employment, technology, and access to international markets. At the same time, the social and environmental consequences of global supply chais have provoked significant controversies over the role of multinational brands and their local suppliers. In the absence of effective regulation in developing countries, global companies are often seen as exploiting low wages and weak social and environmental protections to produce cheap goods at the expense of workers and communities.

The Opportunity

Companies operating in different aspects of the manufacturing sector face common challenges. Whether it's fire and building safety in Bangladesh, long hours of work in China, factory closures in Central America, or antiunion violence in many places around the world, ensuring respect for workers' rights is bigger than any one company. As they have begun to do through organizations like the Fair Labor Association, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh Alliance for Worker Safety, companies should come together and work toward solutions.
 

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