Training

International Labour Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility: Understanding workers’ rights in the framework of due diligence

This five-day course aims to strengthen the capacity of participants to understand the principles of international labour standards as they relate to company operations (including due diligence related to labour rights) and how those principles can be most effectively implemented in company operations.

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Companies are under increasing pressure, stemming from stakeholder expectations, reporting requirements, conditions for tendering, etc., to conduct due diligence on human-rights issues in their own operations and with business partners in their supply chains. Labour rights have become a critical component and basic pillar in any due diligence process. However, proper due diligence on labour issues starts with a good understanding of what is expected of companies concerning respect for workers' rights. The course aims to strengthen the capacity of participants to understand the principles of ILS as they relate to company operations (including due diligence related to labour rights) and how these principles can be most effectively implemented in company operations along their supply chains. Drawing on the experience of the ILO Helpdesk for Business, breakout sessions will provide participants with opportunities to discuss and debate some of the complex issues companies face when putting principles into practice, e.g. what to do when national law is not consistent with ILS; how to balance competing rights; where to draw the line in contributing to social development; and what to do when the government is not fulfilling its duty to protect.

This course is designed for CSR professionals (in companies, consulting firms or CSR initiatives) seeking to align operations, including supply chains, with ILS principles or dealing on a daily basis with challenges related to respecting workers' rights. Managers of companies supplying to brands which are faced with many, and often conflicting, demands, may find this course particularly useful. In addition, this course might be of interest to trade unions, civil society organizations and government officials dealing with national CSR policies and/or national action plans on business and human rights.