Who benefits from trade?
The changing nature of international trade, dominated by global value chains, has led to downward pressure on working conditions. Fundamental rights at work, such as the right to organise and bargain collectively, are not upheld. Child labour exists in many supply chains, and minimum wages, when paid, are not sufficient to ensure decent living standards. Forced overtime and lack of safety measures are also common.
This publication wishes to draw attention to the imbalances in international trade and the asymmetric power relationship in global value chains, and to initiate a discussion on how to tackle these challenges. It is one of the outputs of the regional project Core Labour Standards Plus (CLS+), which was launched by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia in 2016.
Who benefits from trade?
Singapore, 2017
Download publication (1,1 MB PDF-File)
You might also be interested in
Enforcing Respect for Labour Standards with Targeted Sanctions
Applying targeted sanctions can deter violations of labour standards and improve compliance.
more information
The Future of "Ethical Production" for Cambodia's Garment and Footwear Industry
This publication aims to determine who benefits from trade in the case of Cambodia and proposes policy recommendations to better distribute the...
more information
Project launched to make sure Vietnam’s trade deal with EU endorses workers’ rights
In Vietnam, a rights group works to ensure that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement safeguards labour and environmental standards laid out by EU and...
more information
Linking Trade and Decent Work in Global Supply Chains in Bangladesh
The study highlights power imbalances in the industrial and labour relations along the global supply chain and offers recommendations for all actors...
more information
The missing link in the chain?
In Asia, countries with export-oriented industries like Vietnam benefit from low wages and a growing workforce to ensure participation in the new...
more information
Video: "Missing Links – Making Trade Work for Workers"
Watch the debate at the European Parliament! Panellists, including Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, explore how to strengthen the social...
more information
“Finding the red flyer was destiny”
An alumnus speaks of her good fortune in attending the Global Labour University.
more informationFriedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Office for Regional Cooperation in Asia
7500A Beach Road
#12-320/321/322
The Plaza
Singapore 199591
News
-
18.08.2019 | Networks for social democracy, Cooperation for Peace and Security | News
FES in Afghanistan: Helping to build the leadership of tomorrow
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is working with local and international partners to ensure that the new talent in Afghanistan generates and seizes...
-
01.08.2019 | Cooperation for Peace and Security, Gender and social justice | News
Afghan women boost their prospects through solidarity
At a workshop in Kabul, Afghan women activists learn innovative approach to solidarity, boosting their prospects and the country’s future.
-
24.07.2019 | Climate change | News
Renewable energy can be “win-win-win” for Viet Nam
A greater emphasis on renewable energy could benefit the people and the economy as well as the environment in Viet Nam.