In response to concerns raised by senators regarding labor rights in trade provisions, specifically the recent commitment to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), the White House released an executive memo on November 16 emphasizing the promotion of labor rights abroad. The memo directs several key actions to address labor rights violations and gaps in protections.
WHITE HOUSE: Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally
ADVANCING WORKER EMPOWERMENT, RIGHTS, AND HIGH LABOR STANDARDS SUMMARY
- Addressing Labor Rights Violations:
- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will be tasked with pursuing effective remedies for labor rights violations and addressing gaps in protections. USTR and the Department of Labor will collaborate to develop new tools and strategies for this purpose.
- Prioritizing Labor-Related Compliance:
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP), along with USTR and the Department of Labor, will continue to prioritize and enhance initiatives to improve compliance with U.S. trade laws. This includes those related to preference programs, general enforcement, customs laws, and labor provisions in trade agreements and economic frameworks involving the United States.
- Combatting Human Rights Abuses in Global Supply Chains:
- The Treasury and State Departments are directed to utilize their authorities to combat human rights abuses, specifically forced labor, child labor, and related abuses in global supply chains. They may explore collaborating with allies and partners to facilitate similar actions.
- FLETF’s Role and Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act:
- The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) will update its strategy under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. FLETF and its member agencies will continue efforts to manage and review recommendations for additions to the UFLPA Entity List. The Secretary of Homeland Security, as the Chair of FLETF, will collaborate with member agencies to assess resource requirements for robust implementation of the UFLPA.
These additional directives further reinforce the commitment outlined in the original memorandum to strengthen global labor standards and tackle labor rights violations through coordinated efforts across various government agencies.
After a recent meeting in San Francisco with 13 country partners, the White House released a fact sheet summarizing key outcomes of sustainable growth as part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.
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