UNI on CSDDD: A step towards protecting workers’ rights, more must be done

After years of intense negotiation, ambassadors of EU member states voted today to support the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) – a significant step forward in protecting workers’ rights and the environment.  

This endorsement, brokered by the Belgian government, will help hold multinational corporations accountable for harms inflicted throughout their value chains and better ensure the rights of workers, women and ethnic minorities throughout their operations.  

Trade unions made sure that, unlike in the European Commission’s original proposals, union representatives will be involved in the development and implementation of an effective due diligence policy, plan and strategy in companies, their subsidiaries and throughout the value chain. This will be a core focus for UNI Europa in ensuring the directive is transposed and vigorously implemented.

Regrettably, the version of the bill advanced today has been weakened in recent weeks after several governments – particularly Italy and Germany – withdrew support. The compromise reached today narrowed the original scope of the directive, notably by reducing the number of companies covered from 16,000 to under 5,500. 

Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa Regional Secretary, said: “While regretting the last-minute watering down of the due diligence directive, we welcome member states’ vote as a positive step towards improving workers’ rights along the global value chain. Now, it is up to the European Parliament to get the directive over the line at a vote in April.” 

Christy Hoffman, UNI Global Union General Secretary, said: “This legislation is not just important for Europe. It has the potential to change how the largest, most powerful corporations operate throughout the world. The version voted on today is far from perfect, but it will still be a vital tool to beat back the excesses of corporate greed and to secure the rights of workers globally.” 

UNI encourages all EU members states – and governments everywhere – to adopt mandatory human rights due diligence legislation. 

© European Parliament, Flickr