The labour principles of the UN Global Compact may be among the most specific of the initiative’s ten principles, but that does not suggest that they are the easiest to implement. Many companies face difficulties in knowing what is expected of them and what more can be done to uphold these principles.

As such, there is room and scope for learning, dialogue and collective action, including partnerships, as means through which to complement other approaches also aimed at bringing about responsible labour practices. Thankfully, some excellent guidance materials have now been developed to help businesses of all sizes and from all sectors and locations. It is the hope of the UN Global Compact that this Guide – an output of the newly established Global Compact Labour Working Group – will help raise further awareness of the existence of these materials and be a very useful Guide for business everywhere.

This Guide includes a brief description of each of the four Global Compact labour principles: freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour; and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. It also contains an inventory of key ILO materials concerning these principles.

To read the report, please click here.