Global unions push for progress on UN treaty on corporate accountability

As the latest round of negotiations begins at the UN for an international treaty on corporate accountability, the ITUC and Global Union Federations (GUFs) call for an agreement that ensures justice and accountability for millions of workers in global supply chains.

16-12-2024

The proposed treaty, almost a decade in the making, seeks to close critical gaps in international human rights law and curb corporate impunity. Despite its urgent necessity, progress has been disappointingly slow. An updated draft, published in July 2023, achieved only limited consensus on key provisions, while the latest talks, marking the tenth session, were postponed from October.

In a joint letter with GUFs and civil society organisations involved in the process, the ITUC criticised the lack of prior consultation about the delay and called for a more inclusive and clear process.

"The trade union movement demands a transparent process that allows for full participation. We cannot afford further delays in securing a treaty that ensures justice for workers and makes corporations accountable." ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle

“The Global Unions appreciate the response of the chair of the process to our concerns, and we are committed to supporting efforts to advance the process. We welcome recent initiatives, including additional funding for the treaty’s development, and inter-sessional thematic consultations with the support of independent legal experts.

“In short, we are fully engaged and ready to deliver the treaty that working people deserve.”

Trade union priorities for the treaty include:

•  Broad scope: Inclusion of all internationally recognised human rights, including fundamental workers’ rights.
•  Comprehensive coverage: Inclusion of all business enterprises, irrespective of size or sector.
•  Extraterritorial regulation: Access to justice for victims of transnational corporate human rights violations.
•  Human rights due diligence: Mandatory policies and procedures for businesses.
•  Corporate accountability: Clear obligations for corporations under human rights law.
•  International enforcement: A robust global monitoring and enforcement mechanism.

“Millions of working people in supply chains are counting on a treaty that addresses the current imbalance that prioritises corporate interests over human rights. The global labour movement demands the strongest possible treaty language to ensure justice and accountability. We need a binding treaty now," Luc Triangle reiterated.

For more insights on this topic, read Luc Triangle’s article for the Business and Human Rights Centre.