Pictures’ Credit: TheDialog
The German Embassy in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung, convened a significant conference on 26 September, to evaluate the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA) following its implementation over the past 20 months.
This gathering brought together trade unions, business representatives, and civil society organizations to examine the law’s real-world impact on workers and communities involved in global supply chains.
Focus on Workers’ Rights and Workplace Conditions
The conference emphasized the perspectives of rights holders, including employees, their families, and affected communities. Key topics of discussion included improvements in working conditions related to occupational health and safety, contractual agreements, and wage levels.
In-depth analysis was conducted on the challenges women face in the workplace, and the complaints mechanisms established to address violations were reviewed, highlighting their integration into the new European Supply Chain Directive.
Transformative Goals and Business Benefits
In his opening remarks, German Ambassador to India Dr. Philipp Ackermann described the SCDDA as “a bold step, maybe a pioneering step, to ensure that human rights and environmental standards are upheld, not just within our borders, but along the entire global supply chain.”
He acknowledged initial skepticism from businesses but noted a shift towards recognizing the law’s broader benefits. “Companies that embrace these values will find themselves better positioned to succeed in the global marketplace. Responsible business is not just good for people and the planet, it’s also good for profit,” he asserted.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
While participants acknowledged visible positive outcomes of the law in various companies, concerns were raised regarding lower-tier suppliers, which require more significant engagement from lead companies. Attendees agreed that proactive measures could alleviate the need for lengthy complaints procedures.
Moreover, there was a consensus on the necessity of better representing the interests of the non-organized workforce, including daily wage earners within the supply chains. The conference concluded on a positive note, with plans for comprehensive documentation of the discussions to promote ongoing dialogue about responsible business practices in global supply chains.
