The global Clean Clothes Campaign, of which HCA BL is a part, welcomes the European Parliament’s report on the Corporate Sustainability Directive (CSDDD), which was approved today by a large majority. The due diligence law, first proposed by the European Commission in February 2022, aims to hold large EU companies accountable for violating human rights and environmental standards in their value chains.
Just a month ago, CCC marked the 10th anniversary of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh that killed at least 1,138 workers and injured thousands more. This horrific tragedy destroyed the lives of thousands of workers and their families.’
It drew worldwide attention to the widespread exploitation in the clothing industry and the need for corporate responsibility. Despite promises of change, voluntary commitments by companies have not been enough to make a meaningful difference to the lives of garment workers.
In recent years, workers, citizens and civil society around the world have called for ambitious legislation to protect workers, communities and the environment around the world and hold companies accountable for the negative impact of their business.
The text adopted today shows the European Parliament’s determination to fight for respect for human rights and the environment around the world.
The text now requires an increased number of companies to conduct due diligence in their value chain and in all their business relationships, in accordance with UN and OECD international standards. Companies would have to pay attention to a wider range of human and labour rights, including the ILO conventions on safety and health at work, on violence and harassment at work, and the right to a living wage. Companies would be required to assess how their business models and pricing practices can cause harm, thus acknowledging the role of unfair purchasing practices. Also, with the new directive, corporate abuse of procedural recommendations, which many workers face, will no longer be possible.
Photo taken from: Justice is everyone’s business action on 1 June 2023, Philip Reynaers / Photonews
