Fit for ensuring human rights due diligence in cross-border operating companies

The corporate world might undergo some changes with the two Commission proposals on European Works Councils and on corporate sustainability due diligence. During the category meeting "Workers' Voice for more democratic participation", the Workers’ Group will discuss the role European Works Councils (EWCs) will play in ensuring the necessary corporate due diligence, with a focus on human rights along the supply chain. The event will include presentations of the two proposals by Commission representatives as well as a deeper look into existing legislation, like the German supply chain law, and the role of EWCs in the human rights due diligence processes, with contributions from researchers, elected workers’ representatives from different companies (from manufacturing and services sectors), and trade union leaders.

The discussions will focus on legislative improvements that would allow to make full use of the potential of EWCs to benefit workers and to ensure good and sustainable corporate governance, the respect of human rights also beyond European borders, and more democracy at work.