Helping suppliers tackle potential child and forced labour
Cases of forced and child labour are increasing in the US. The Child and forced labour project is managed by Verité.
It has been set up to help our members’ co-manufacturers, co-packers, suppliers, labour providers and service providers recruit responsibly and help manage potential risks child and forced labour. It increases focus on the safety and wellbeing of third-shift workers. And it helps signpost supportive organisations to survivors of forced labour and child labour.
Location:
North AmericaDuration:
12 monthsPartner(s):
Verité
Why the project is needed
Evidence from the US Department of Labor and the National Human Trafficking Hotline indicates that cases of forced labour and child labour nationwide have increased significantly in the last five years. Cases of minors employed in violation of hazardous occupation laws and working outside of federally allowed hours have also increased across states and industries. Research indicates that increased global poverty, volatility and migration, alongside shortages in the US labor market are contributing factors in these trends
About the project
In response to these mounting issues, this project helps members identify forced and child labour cases, and provide remediation for exploited workers.
This project is a collaboration between 12 AIM-Progress members and Verité, a non-profit organisation with expertise in addressing serious labour rights issues. Compliance with the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and all relevant US national and state-level laws is integral to the project’s work.
It provides training for a target of over 600 people from members’ supply chain partners. And it’s equipping participants with a US-specific remediation guidance document that helps them understand the risks of child labour.
Objectives
- Help all on-site workers and staff understand the indicators of forced and child labour and where to report risks
- Promote an environment of openness and transparency so that issues can be identified and addressed
- Reaffirm systems for identifying cases of forced and child labour including grievance mechanisms, hiring protocols and age verification processes
- Increase focus on management and well-being of third-shift workers
- Support increased awareness of and links to, organisations that help survivors of forced labour and child labour
- Identify and address, where possible, root causes of forced and child labour with workers, government, civil society and communities