This theme evaluates a company’s commitment to addressing forced labor, whether it effectively applies supply chain standards that address the ILO core labor standards, and to what extent it has instituted management processes and board oversight, training and capacity-building programs, and engagement with stakeholders on forced labor
Apparel and Footwear
This was the highest-scoring theme of the benchmark. Almost all companies in the benchmark (97%) disclosed a supplier code of conduct that prohibits forced labor, and 84% of companies disclosed some information on who is responsible internally for implementing supply chain policies and programs on forced labor. Yet external accountability is lacking: Only 11% disclosed details on board oversight. Equally, engagement with stakeholders such as policy makers, worker rights organizations, trade unions, or local civil society organizations regarding forced labor remained limited, with only 38% of companies having reported such engagements.
Food and Beverage
Commitment & Governance is the highest-scoring theme of the benchmark. Most of the benchmarked companies disclose a commitment to addressing forced labor, a supply chain policy that addresses forced labor, and at least some information on internal responsibilities for the implementation of these policies. It is positive to see that the number of companies training their internal decision-makers and their first-tier suppliers on forced labor risks and policies has increased. However, capacity building below the first tier and company engagement with stakeholders such as policy makers, worker rights organizations, and local NGOs regarding forced labor remain limited, especially in local supply chain contexts.
Information & Communications Technology
Commitment & Governance is the highest scoring theme of the benchmark. Almost all of the companies disclose a commitment to addressing forced labor and a supply chain policy that includes forced labor. Approximately half of the companies disclose training their suppliers on forced labor, and 69% report on internal responsibility for supply chain policies on forced labor. While 71% disclose engaging with industry peers on the topic of forced labor, few companies engage with stakeholders such as local NGOs or unions. Action below the first tier of companies’ supply chains remains limited, with few companies disclosing efforts to engage with stakeholders on the topic of forced labor or conducting training for lower-tier suppliers. conducting training for lower tier suppliers.