CONSTRUCTION
Workers involved in construction often face multiple risks of abuse.
Complex supply chains and multiple layers of subcontracting pose major challenges to transparency and accountability. Migrant construction workers in particular are vulnerable to wage theft, hazardous workplaces, and forced labour.
Click the overarching and stage-specific principles below to review the guiding questions across this stage. These questions will help you to identify the main human rights risks and opportunities and develop a tailored action plan.
Construction workers’ rights are respected in accordance with ILO standards, in all tiers of the construction process - by lead companies and subcontractors
Guiding questions
Have measures been taken to ensure that project contracts - with the client and with sub-contractors - do not impose financial, time and other constraints that exacerbate the risk of harm to workers' rights, passing risk down the chain? Can procurement be harnessed to expand opportunities and conditions for workers?
On construction sites and throughout the supply chain, are measures taken to ensure workers' rights are respected, for workers who are in direct and indirect employment (and with the heightened vulnerability of migrant workers taken into account)? The goal should be to adhere to international human rights standards, in circumstances in which national law falls short?
Have opportunities to maximise employment and training opportunities for under-represented groups (see "All human rights standards are upheld") been considered?
Stories and illustrative examples
International standards and tools
ILO international labour standards
UN Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and their Families
IFC Performance Standard 2, Labour and Working Conditions
Building Responsibly principles and guidance notes
Dhaka Principles for Migration with Dignity
Workers' accommodation (IFC/EBRD guidance, and ILO)
National laws covering modern slavery in supply chains - includes the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act; UK Modern Slavery Act; Australian Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act; French "Devoir de Vigilance" law; Dutch Child Labour Due Diligence Law.
Sustainable Development Goals:
- Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.
- Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.