Roundtable Discussion Topics

 

During the call we will provide updates and seek your input and perspectives on the following topics:

 

  1. Decent Work in the Platform Economy 

  • The Governing Body of the International Labor Organization (ILO) agreed to place Decent Work in the Platform Economy on the International Labor Conference (ILC) agenda for 2025. Topics anticipated to be covered are working conditions and employee classification. The Governing Body also requested the ILO Office provide an analysis on the gaps of decent work in the platform economy be presented by their March 2023 meeting.  

 

  1. Multinational Enterprises Guidelines Update 

  • The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is considering updates to the Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) Guidelines and Implementation Procedures. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the consultation draft of potential updates by February 10, 2023.  

  • The 2000 update of the MNE Guidelines established National Contact Points (NCPs). These offices assist governments in implementing the MNE Guidelines and manage dispute resolution for cases in which a corporation is alleged to have violated the MNE Guidelines. 

 

  1. Supply Chain Due Diligence Legislation 

  • Countries and institutions are continuing to propose and implement supply chain due diligence legislation and regulations. The Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group continues to meet on the draft treaty, known to those familiar with the treaty as the “Ecuador Treaty.” The problematic treaty, as is, would impose mandatory due diligence processes for business entities and require businesses to prevent violations of human rights or face liability. The treaty does not name governments as parties responsible for the protection of human rights.  

  • As of the first of the year, Germany’s act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains entered into force. This law will obligate companies with 3k or more employees in Germany to take “appropriate measures” to respect human rights and the environment within their supply chains. 

 

  1. United Nations Global Compact 

  • The United Nations Global Compact (UNGP) is implementing a new reporting process in 2023. The annual Communications on Progress (COP) make corporations’ progress on sustainability data free and public, and the updated process is expected to increase company’s ability to compare progress against their peers. The UNGP is a voluntary initiative that includes stakeholders from civil society, businesses, and labor organizations. The UNGP seeks to advance sustainable and socially responsible policies and requires participating companies to report on their progress.   

  • The UNGP is anticipated to announce a dispute resolution mechanism in March 2023. A draft proposal has not been made publicly available.