Bureau of International Labor Affairs

The U.S. Department of Labor today signed a new framework of action with the governments of C?te d’Ivoire and Ghana and the World Cocoa Foundation to combat child labor in the West African cocoa sector. These two countries, together, produce nearly 60% of the world’s cocoa each year. Still, according to the latest estimates, 1.56 million children are engaged in child labor on these cocoa farms. To keep child labor out of our chocolate, we must step up efforts and collective action and mobilize further support. Together, signatories will address the root causes of child labor, improving access to quality education, strengthening social services and social protection, and empowering women, youth and workers in cocoa-growing communities in C?te d’Ivoire and Ghana. The framework also recognizes the critical importance of listening and responding to the voices of local farmers and workers and fostering regular and meaningful dialogue with civil society organizations to promote transparency and accountability. https://lnkd.in/eDfVc5j9 U.S. Department of State

We are hiring! Come join a dynamic team for fun and impactful work! As an International Relations Officer within the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs, you will maintain current understanding of international issues, initiatives and programs, including the international labor standards relevant to ILAB's mission. But, please hurry! Applications are due by December 3. https://bit.ly/4109JMY

We’re at the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights this week elevating the importance of worker-driven social responsibility and worker voice as key components of responsible business conduct. Companies that uphold international labor standards aren't only doing right by their workers – they are reducing their risks and ensuring more sustainable operations. Get access to all the U.S. government policies, resources and tools your company needs on #ResponsibleBusiness conduct: https://bit.ly/4fCYQVH

Today concludes the U.S. delegation’s visit to Bangladesh to demonstrate support for the country’s economy, democracy and workers. The delegation was led by our Deputy Undersecretary Thea Lee and U.S. Department of State Special Representative Kelly M. Fay Rodríguez. At this unique moment for democracy and governance in Bangladesh, resolving longstanding challenges to the exercise of labor rights will be critical to ensuring national economic prosperity. The United States welcomes Chief Advisor Yunus’s assurances that labor reforms are a top priority of the Interim Government. We support Bangladesh further strengthening the right of workers to form and join independent trade unions, and to collectively bargain for better working conditions. The United States is committed to working with Bangladesh to ensure that industry practices support stable employment, quality working conditions, and living wages that allow Bangladeshi workers and their families to thrive.

Everyone has a right to a workplace free from violence and harassment. But 1 in 5 workers has experienced some form of physical, psychological or sexual violence on the job. Women are most at risk for sexual violence. As we start the #16DaysofActivism, we celebrate the women workers across the globe and across industries organizing to make their voices heard and their workplaces safer. When women are at the helm of worker organizations and represented equitably across organizational membership, they deliver gains that benefit all workers—including higher wages, greater social protections, leave benefits, safer workplaces and avenues for remediation. When women workers organize, their advocacy can improve the lives of women workers in particular— addressing issues like paid leave, pregnancy and nursing accommodations, and gender-based discrimination, violence and harassment. #EndGBVH Learn more about women’s worker voice: https://bit.ly/3ZjAZoq

This shopping season, remember that many electronics and other holiday gifts contain materials made with child labor and forced labor, so #KnowYourGoods before you buy. Laptops alone could be made with up to eight minerals mined by child or forced labor when companies don’t practice responsible sourcing: gold, tantalum, tin, tungsten, indium, aluminum, manganese and copper. What looks deal-icious might carry hidden costs to workers. Your purchasing power can support decent work and fair labor around the globe. Use it this holiday season and do your research on sourcing practices. https://bit.ly/4he2lmH

We were attending #ResponsibleBusiness2024 this week sharing the importance of labor standards and mitigating labor rights violations throughout company supply chains. We know that operating a global business is complex and comes with risks. U.S. companies need to be aware of the risks of doing business with the wrong actors that exploit workers in their supply chains. Check out the latest U.S. government information on responsible business conduct, including up-to-date business advisories, on our Responsible Business Conduct and Labor Rights InfoHub. https://bit.ly/4fCYQVH Responsible Business Alliance

The U.S. Department of Labor and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative today requested that the government of Mexico review an alleged denial of workers’ rights at Akwel Juarez, an automotive component manufacturing facility in Ciudad Juarez, State of Chihuahua, Mexico. https://bit.ly/3CI7unu

We were immensely honored to welcome Dolores Huerta, icon of the labor movement, to visit with ILAB’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee today. She spoke about the challenges female union leaders face in the agricultural sector and migrant workers' labor rights in the U.S. and abroad. With her famous phrase, "Sí, se puede," she inspires us all to believe in the power of collective action and perseverance to achieve better working conditions for workers. This was an opportunity for ILAB staff to reflect on how we can continue to contribute to the ongoing fight for justice, equity and inclusion through the department's work in the U.S. and around the world. We can’t thank her enough – for generously sharing her time and wisdom with us and especially for her lifetime of vital activism. #SiSePuede

Today, on #WorldFisheriesDay, we wanted to share the story of Silvana Silva, an inspection director for Ecuador’s Ministry of Labor who boards fishing vessels to detect forced labor. But the coordination needed between port authorities, the Ministry of Labor and navies makes boardings rare. Often, once inspection teams reach a boat, employers have hidden evidence of illegal activity. That’s changing thanks to our Pesca Justa project with the International Labour Organization. Through an onboard training, the project created the space for Silva to engage and coordinate with the people she needs to. Now, she feels equipped to work with other institutions and has the necessary tools to do her job effectively. In the words of Adriana Cevallos, Ecuador’s vice minister for fishing, the purpose of this work is “guaranteeing safety and dignified work for fishers.” Read Silvana’s story: https://bit.ly/4hXFqN0 #BaitToPlate