BWI pushes for greater MNC accountability

Asserting that multinational companies (MNCs) should be held responsible for human and trade union rights, and environmental abuses as a result of their business activities, BWI, on 25 November, conducted the 6^th installment of its Workers’ Voices webinar which was devoted to discussing ways to confront the largely unchecked corporate power of MNCs.

Around 100 trade unionists from over 40 countries attended the online event and listened to a panel of resource speakers which discussed the urgent need for a justice-engaged business community and the existing corporate responsible mechanisms aimed at ensuring safe, decent and sustainable jobs. It was reported that MNCs represent around 33 percent of the global output and are responsible for millions of direct and indirect jobs. These corporations wield enormous power and influence over many national and local economies, and the world of work.  

COVID-19’s impact on MNCs was also deliberated, highlighting how the global economic crisis, which was exacerbated by the pandemic wiped out many business activities and was used by many corporations to justify the enforcement of anti-labour policies. The strategy of building a strong workers’ network covering different MNCs was presented as a key tool for trade unions to promote and implement international framework agreements (IFAs).

The webinar also devoted time for different trade unionists to express their support for the Responsible Business Initiative which was set for a national referendum last 29 November in Switzerland. While the proposed initiative narrowly lost in the ballot box, it won the support of the popular Swiss majority and broadened its support among many politicians and entrepreneurs, and enjoyed the backing of 130 civil society organisations. 

In a statement, BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said that the initiative’s votes echo the voices of the popular majority who have spoken out on the need to make multinationals accountable for their actions. “It is now up to the Swiss Parliament to ensure that these corporations are committed to the highest standards of human and labour rights, and environmental protection,” he said. 

The Responsible Business Initiative aims to allow victims of human rights and environmental abuses to sue Swiss-based companies in Swiss courts. The companies are compelled to demonstrate that they had taken all necessary measures to prevent any violations.