The European Union is often seen as setting the minimum regulatory standards for businesses on human rights, according to Bloomer, who said the Commonwealth should take the lead. "The Commonwealth could act ... as the beacon and litmus test ... but also a multiplier effect on due diligence laws." "The world's employment framework has broken down ... we need a new social contract to clean up forced labour," she said. The global outlook for workers' rights is concerning, Burrow said, citing recent ITUC research that showed workers had no or restricted access to justice in 72% of countries and found a spike in the number of nations blocking trade unionisation. "For workers, the struggle continues for fundamental rights, a minimum living wage, the right to bargain collectively, and the guarantee of a safe workplace," she said.

Source: bd News24 November 14, 2019 06:27 UTC