329-156 Navigating Decent Work Challenges in Multi-Tiered Supply Chains: Leadership Brief

Summary

This document examines how companies can navigate complex multi-tiered supply chains and their associated challenges as part of their efforts to advance decent work in their global supply chains. While multi-tier supply chains have the advantage of driving efficiency, reducing planning cycle lead times and reducing possible business disruptions, they also increase the risk of causing or contributing to human rights impacts and decent work deficits, particularly in the lower tiers of the chain. This is exacerbated in a crisis situation such as a pandemic, where workers’ rights and conditions may be compromised and income threatened as a result of order cancellations, factory shut-downs, or layoffs. This report seeks to guide multinational enterprises in reducing global supply chain vulnerabilities and provides proactive measures companies can take and best practice examples to draw inspiration from.

Thumbnail image for This document examines how companies can navigate complex multi-tiered supply chains and their associated challenges as part of their efforts to advance decent work in their global supply chains. While multi-tier supply chains have the advantage of driving efficiency, reducing planning cycle lead times and reducing possible business disruptions, they also increase the risk of causing or contributing to human rights impacts and decent work deficits, particularly in the lower tiers of the chain. This is exacerbated in a crisis situation such as a pandemic, where workers’ rights and conditions may be compromised and income threatened as a result of order cancellations, factory shut-downs, or layoffs. This report seeks to guide multinational enterprises in reducing global supply chain vulnerabilities and provides proactive measures companies can take and best practice examples to draw inspiration from.

Issuer

United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)

Year

2020

Region

International

Issuer (type)

United Nations Global Compact Office (International)

Policy Type

Other sustainability policy

Geographical scope

International

Mandatory or voluntary

Voluntary

Main industries targeted

Manufacturing
Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction
Retail trade
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting

Restrictiveness

High

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals