Respect Workers' Rights

"The only society that works today is also one founded on mutual respect, on a recognition that we have a responsibility collectively and individually, to help each other on the basis of each other's equal worth. A selfish society is a contradiction in terms."

Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister


We often read of violent clashes, large-scale demonstrations and lawsuits arising in foreign countries as a result of irresponsible business practices. In many cases, there is a fragile relationship between the company and its workers abroad. Sometimes its politics; other times it is the economy.

The matter of workers rights presents thorny issues and challenges for trans-national corporations. There are countless international treaties, conventions and protocols covering the treatment of indigenous workers.

Together these constitute a set of “internationally recognized” workers rights, including: the right of association; the right to organize and bargain collectively; prohibition of forced or compulsory labor; minimum age for employment; and acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational health and safety.

As a corporate leader, you should be guided by these international standards and take the lead in establishing your company as a global respecter and defender of workers rights. Your reputation as a good corporate citizen will soar and the number of awards you will be given by international advocacy groups will multiply.

(c) Adonis E. Hoffman, 2008