Global Supply Chain New reports shine spotlight on underlying causes of terrible working conditions in global supply chains
September 4, 2019 Garrett Brown

This year has seen the usual flood of reports documenting unsafe, unhealthy and illegal conditions in global supply chains, but there is a growing body of research that highlight the underlying root cause of these conditions: the business model and sourcing practices of the international “brands” that sell us our clothing, electronics, sports shoes and so much more.

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Global Supply Chain Latest data on working conditions in global supply chains, July 2019 edition
August 3, 2019 Garrett Brown

The latest resource list on articles and reports describing unsafe and illegal working conditions in global supply chains producing consumer goods for the world economy. There are the usual tales of exploitation and woe, but also growing campaigns to recognize and end sexual harassment of women workers, and recognition that it is precisely the sourcing practices of the international “brands” that lead to abusive conditions in global supply chains.

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Child Labor Latest data on working conditions in global supply chains, September 2017 edition
September 21, 2017 Garrett Brown 3Comment

Public interest continues to grow for accurate information on the working conditions faced by the 450 million workers in global supply chains. The last quarter’s reports, through September 2017, include information on workplace health and safety, discrimination and sexual harassment of women workers, and corporate non-compliance with even basic labor laws in the electronics, apparel, and food industries.

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Global Supply Chain Bangladesh Accord extended three years – worker protections strengthened, proponents promote an “alternative to standard CSR programs”
July 18, 2017 Garrett Brown

Two global unions, four labor rights organizations and 23 apparel brands and retailers agreed in late June to extend the ground-breaking Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety that has led to safer working conditions for 4 million garment workers. The legally-binding agreement came about following the 2013 Rana Plaza building collapse that killed 1,138 workers in Dhaka.

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Global Supply Chain Keeping track of working conditions and workers’ rights in global supply chains
June 20, 2017 Garrett Brown

With new reports on working conditions in global supply chains coming out every week from the news media and non-governmental organizations – how is possible to keep track of the most important developments in health and safety and other worker rights?  There is a “one-stop shopping” solution to sign up for a weekly update of recent reports and corporate responses, as well as more organizations to track for those with more time and ambition. 

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Global Supply Chain Government, industry crackdown in Bangladesh threatens health & safety improvements; clothing brands petitioned to respond
January 26, 2017 Garrett Brown 1Comment

Mass firings, blacklisting of fired workers, indefinite detentions of union leaders and worker rights advocates in Bangladesh threaten the fragile gains in workplace health and safety in the garment industry. International clothing brands and retailers are being petitioned to reverse the firings, release the detained, and respect the basic rights of garment workers.

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