Supply chains can be an engine of development, especially when they promote technology transfers and the adoption of new production practices, which in turn can enable higher value-added activities requiring enhanced skills, productivity and competitiveness. At the same time, aspects of supply chains have raised concerns about their impact on working conditions and the protection of workers’ rights. 

With its mandate, experience and expertise in the world of work, its normative approach to development and its tripartite structure, the ILO is uniquely positioned to promote decent work in supply chains. The ILO provides guidance and support to Member States and tripartite constituents by using all available ILO means of action to ensure decent work in supply chains, actively pursuing social dialogue and promoting, respecting and realizing the fundamental principles and rights at work in supply chains.

News and articles

Resilient and sustainable supply chains need decent work, says ILO Caribbean at UNCTAD global forum
Shingo Miyake, Joni Musabayana and John Bliek at UNCTAD 2024

Resilient and sustainable supply chains need decent work, says ILO Caribbean at UNCTAD global forum

Reskilling and upskilling are key to create Indonesia’s skilled and competitive workers in electronics sector
Launch of skills development study in electronics sector of Indonesia 2024

Press release

Reskilling and upskilling are key to create Indonesia’s skilled and competitive workers in electronics sector

Key resources

Research highlights

Integrating Trade and Decent Work – Volumes I and II
Cover of "Integrating trade and decent work" report volume I

Report

Integrating Trade and Decent Work – Volumes I and II

Improving occupational safety and health in the global coffee value chain in Honduras: Drivers and constraints
A coffee worker picks coffee beans

Report

Improving occupational safety and health in the global coffee value chain in Honduras: Drivers and constraints

Worker Voice and Labor Standards – Study of Participation Committees in Supply Chains
Better Work garment factory in the Philippines

Discussion Paper

Worker Voice and Labor Standards – Study of Participation Committees in Supply Chains

Publications

Market systems development for a just transition: What does it really mean for donors and practitioners?

Market systems development for a just transition: What does it really mean for donors and practitioners?

The African Continental Free Trade Area: An Opportunity to Promote Social and Labour Issues across the Continent?

Policy Brief

The African Continental Free Trade Area: An Opportunity to Promote Social and Labour Issues across the Continent?

Decent work and responsible business practices in Thailand’s automotive manufacturing sector

Tripartism and social dialogue

Decent work and responsible business practices in Thailand’s automotive manufacturing sector

Image
Workers produce footwear on a factory floor in Cambodia
ILO projects on supply chains and decent work

ILO projects on supply chains and decent work

Several ILO Development Cooperation projects and programmes address decent work in supply chains. Additional information can be found on the ILO’s Development Cooperation Dashboard which offers interactive visualisations of ILO projects worldwide.

Featured projects

Better Work
Better Work programme logo

ILO Flagship Programme

Better Work

Vision Zero Fund
Vision Zero Fund Logo

Project

Vision Zero Fund

Responsible Business Conduct in Latin America and the Caribbean (RBCLAC)
Responsible Business Conduct in Latin America and the Caribbean logo

Project

Responsible Business Conduct in Latin America and the Caribbean (RBCLAC)

Advancing Decent Work and inclusive industrialization in Ethiopia (SIRAYE)
Worker at Addis Tyre Company stands next to a machine in an automobile tire production line Addis Ababa. Ethiopia

Programme

Advancing Decent Work and inclusive industrialization in Ethiopia (SIRAYE)

Accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in supply chains in Africa (ACCEL AFRICA)
Child workers that  have been withdrawn from domestic service work at a desk

Project

Accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in supply chains in Africa (ACCEL AFRICA)

Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains Asia (RISSC)
Female electronics factory worker, Cikarang, Indonesia.

Project

Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains Asia (RISSC)

Partnerships and networks

Contact

For more information, contact the ILO's Action Programme on Decent Work in Supply Chains at supplychains@ilo.org.