5 - Hold companies accountable

Brands operate without fear of regulation. They hide behind opaque supply chains and push risks onto suppliers while claiming a disproportionate share of the profits. Suppliers in turn push these risks onto workers and the environment. Meanwhile, workers have few avenues for redress. Transparent value chains, effective and accessible grievance mechanisms and responsible purchasing practices are part of keeping corporations accountable.

Yet, companies cannot be relied upon to change the way they operate voluntarily. Mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence, which centres the involvement of workers and access to remedy is an opportunity to prevent and redress harm done to workers and their communities, both by the climate crisis and by the transition to a low-carbon industry that protects and restores nature. Another opportunity are worker-driven legally binding and internationally enforceable agreements negotiated between unions and brands like the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Garment and Textile Industry. These agreements include a key role for trade unions and are enforceable in a court of law.