Question 1 – do we need a binding international convention on corporate responsibility for labour standards in global supply chains?
I understand the desire for such a convention – we all want clear, enforceable rules that actually improve working conditions in the supply chain. But I don’t think a convention will get us there. States are already bound to enforce international labour standards and to protect the rights of their citizens. And treaties and conventions only apply to states, not companies (however powerful companies may be). Clearly we need new, ambitious ways of thinking about governance in the supply chain that provide for more rigorous, consistent application of standards to companies, with consequences for non-compliance.
Question 2 – what should global supply chain governance look like?
