BRIEFING PAPERS

Based on presentations and discussions from the conference, this set of briefing papers has been designed to provide new ideas and practical guidance to ethical trade practitioners struggling to address difficult challenges in code implementation. To download now, click on the cover image or title below:

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6. Comercio ético: dándole forma a una nueva agenda [PDF, 1.8MB]
(DOCUMENTO SUMARIAL).
La cuarta conferencia bienal de la ETI, exitosamente, le dio forma a una nueva agenda para el comercio ético. Pero, ¿qué compone esta nueva agenda y quién la practica? ¿Quién se beneficia? ¿Quién necesita involucrarse y qué deben hacer? Y, ¿es realmente factible? Este documento sumarial proporciona las respuestas a todas estas preguntas.

1. Quick fix or lasting solution? Dealing responsibly with typical non-compliances. [PDF, 1.6MB]
Company audits often identify labour issues that appear to have simple solutions, but a 'quick fix' that treats the symptom may fail to address the underlying causes of non-compliance. And, without digging down to the root of the problem, you are unlikely to find lasting solutions that really benefit workers. This paper provides corporate compliance staff and other auditors with guidance on how to find lasting solutions to three typical non-compliances.

2. Finding common ground: Working with trade unions in supplier countries [PDF, 1.1MB]
Most retailers and brands who have otherwise made significant progress in addressing supply chain labour conditions still remain reluctant to work with trade union organisations and have had very limited success in persuading their suppliers to do so. The paper sets out to highlight what the potential benefits are and to provide practical guidance to retailers / brands, suppliers and trade union organisations on how to build and make the most of such partnerships.

3. Managing compliance with labour codes at supplier level: A more sustainable way of improving workers' conditions? [PDF, 830kb]
Some are saying that lasting, sustainable improvements to workers' conditions can only be achieved if suppliers take ownership of the process of change. Developing local management systems can bring lasting solutions, with potential benefits for brands and retailers, suppliers and workers alike. This paper, drawing on the experiences of two very different companies, looks at some of the benefits and challenges of developing supplier-level code management systems and provides some practical tips on involving workers.

4. Moving production: Stalling the race to the bottom. [PDF, 911kb]
In today's globalised economy, companies that outsource can relatively easily shift suppliers to ever-cheaper sources, which can bring benefits to consumers if cost savings are passed on... but what are the effects on workers? This paper looks at the issues and shows that companies can take measures that help protect their business interests as well as those of workers. (Although focus is on textiles and garments, debate & potential solutions are relevant to other labour-intensive industries.)

5. Bridging the gap between commercial and ethical trade agendas:
Pioneering approaches to purchasing practices [PDF, 1.5MB]
Many aspects of brands' and retailers' purchasing practices can contribute to poor labour conditions in their supply chains. Trade unions and NGOs have drawn attention to this for some time. What is new is that leading companies have acknowledged this and have publicly taken steps towards revising their buying practices accordingly. Drawing on the experiences of these pioneering companies, this paper aims to provide practical support to corporate ethical trade managers - arguments, ideas and practical tips that can help make integration of ethical considerations into buying practices a reality.

6. Ethical trade: shaping a new agenda [PDF, 1.4MB]
(SUMMARY PAPER).
ETI's fourth biennial conference successfully shaped a new agenda for ethical trade. But what makes up this new agenda, and who has bought into it? Who stands to benefit? Who needs to be involved and what do they need to do? And is it really do-able? This paper provides a summary of the main issues - the other five provide a more detailed explanation of each of the issues on the agenda.