G7 Declaration on Social Justice Will Enhance Global Supply Chain

Late last week in Berlin, the leaders of the G7 issued a ministerial declaration outlining specific actions to promote worker rights and improve working conditions and environmental protections in global supply chains.

The ministers agreed on a number of measures, including the creation of the “Vision Zero Fund,” which will strengthen efforts around the world to prevent and reduce workplace-related deaths and serious injuries. Government and private-sector contributions will support the fund. Deputy Secretary Lu announced that the U.S. Labor Department will contribute $1 million to the fund.

The declaration emerged from a two-day, G7 labor and employment ministerial meeting, building on the G7 Leaders’ Summit decision adopted earlier this year to improve “labor rights, decent working conditions and environmental protection in global supply chains.”

U.S. Department of Labor noted that as some of the world’s largest consumers and producers, we not only have the power to promote efforts to keep workers safe in other countries; we share a responsibility to do so:

“The U.S. supports today’s declaration, including the establishment of the Vision Zero Fund, which represents a significant milestone in the path toward safe and healthy workplaces worldwide,” said cabinet spokesmen.

They added that by helping producing countries and social partners strengthen their capacity to protect worker health and safety, the U.S. can help prevent work-related accidents for millions of workers in global supply chains. In turn, this can contribute to inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

As our readers know, SCMR (LM’s sister publication) has long supported social justice in the global supply chain arena. With this announcement of solidarity, we appear to be moving one step closer.