Labor Department awards $2M grant to support worker-driven social compliance systems

The Department of Labor has awarded a $2 million grant to the International Labor Organization. The funds support the use of worker-driven, social compliance systems to promote fundamental labor rights and acceptable work conditions, including an end to forced labor in supply chains, according to a news release.

Funded by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, the Strengthening Social Compliance Systems Project will be piloted in the Indonesian palm oil sector to create or refine a model for worker-driven social compliance systems. Once refined, the model can be replicated in other countries and sectors to promote worker voice and fair working conditions, the release said.

Launched as part of the U.S. government’s second National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct, the project is part of the action plan in which the government commits to using its resources to advance responsible business conduct and identify, prevent and mitigate the risk of adverse business impacts, the release said.

The plan also commits to deepening engagement with civil society, organized labor and the private sector; providing businesses with tools and incentives to conduct worker-centric due diligence; strengthening coordination with governments; and applying best practices and lessons learned in U.S. government operations, according to the release.