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Labour standards

The labour principles of the UN Global Compact are among the most specific of the initiative’s ten principles. They are not the easiest to implement. Many companies face difficulties in knowing what is expected of them and what more can be done to uphold these principles.
 
This Guide describes each of the four Global Compact labour principles:

• freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
• the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
• the effective abolition of child labour
• the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation

The purpose of this guide is to increase the understanding of these four labour principles as well as to provide an inventory of key resources to help integrate these principles into business operations. Each section contains a detailed explanation of the labour principle and some ideas on how to put it into practice, while the final section contains an inventory of key ILO materials concerning these principles.

The report argues that there are many ways in which the principles can be implemented and each company must decide the manner that makes the most sense in the context of its own operations and circumstances. It suggests that there is much scope for learning, dialogue and collective action, including partnerships, as ways to complement other approaches aimed at bringing about responsible labour practices.

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