Understanding the Issues in Today's Global Marketplace

As global trade, particularly manufactured imports from developing nations, has expanded in recent years, international labor issues have grown in significance as a business priority. Continued reports of child labor and unacceptable working conditions have led to an explosion of interest and initiatives to address the concerns.

These initiatives include codes of conduct and certification programs at the corporate and association level. Initiatives have also been launched with the involvement of non-governmental organizations and trade unions. International organizations such as the United Nations, International Labour Organization and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development are also playing a greater role in such efforts.

A range of U.S. trade statutes and regulations contain conditions related to labor standards, including trade preference programs for developing countries and provisions enforced by U.S. Customs on products made with forced labor. Increasing attention is focused on ways to integrate labor and trade concerns. Whether it is bilateral free trade agreements, the Free Trade Area of the Americas or the agenda for the next round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations - labor issues are at the center of the discussion.

It is increasingly important that businesses make their labor standards strategy a priority. It is imperative that they be well informed on developments at the association, governmental, and international organization level - since decisions involving these parties can have real impacts upon tomorrow's business environment.