Improving labour rights in Southeast Asia
An Oxfam report found that labour rights in Unilever ’ s Vietnam supply chain have improved over the last three years . While challenges remain , there ’ s a lot that businesses can learn from the experience
Written by : NYE LONGMAN
WHEN OXFAM FIRST examined Unilever ’ s supply chain operations in a 2013 investigation , the charity highlighted that there was a clear gap between the company ’ s policies and the reality on the ground in Vietnam . Oxfam returned this year and found that Unilever had made a number of improvements amidst remaining challenges . For companies with operations in Southeast Asia there are clearly a number of take home lessons . Business Review ’ Australia & Asia speaks to Rachel Wilshaw , Oxfam ’ s Ethical Trade Manager , who coauthored the report , to find out more . She says : “ It ’ s unusual for a multinational company to open up its business to Oxfam in this way and shows great transparency and openness to improve . It ’ s clear that the process has already brought positive change within the company and most importantly for the people making its products , and has the potential to deliver much more .”
The multinational consumer goods company allowed Oxfam access to its staff , operations , data and key suppliers at its factory
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