Labour Rights
Ensuring industry transitions are people centred through agency, inclusion and accountability for workers.
OPPORTUNITY
Rapid transitions are inevitable in the face of climate breakdown but fairness for workers and communities is not a guarantee. There will be trade-offs and choices. To achieve a just transition, workers and communities need to be at the centre of a process that encompasses social dialogue, social protection, rights at work and employment. Transitions will only succeed if affected workers are adequately protected and have influence to collectively shape the decisions, plans and policies.
As we confront the urgency of climate change, we advocate for policies and practices that protect and give agency to those most affected by transitions in our focus industries. Understanding systems change requires more than protection; shifting from voluntary industry initiatives to levelling the playing field through mandatory measures, thereby supporting frontrunning businesses to continue to lead while lifting laggards. By advocating for regulations that establish accountability, we can incentivise industry to use its power to drive positive change for workers, the climate and nature.
-
3.6 billion
people live in contexts that are highly vulnerable to climate change -
USD 3-5 trillion
needed annually until 2030 to secure a just transition -
1.5 billion
people employed by sectors central to climate stability (e.g. agriculture and manufacturing)
Intervention
We believe in the potential for a transition that leaves no one behind. To do so, we must harness the creativity, innovation and expertise of workers and communities most affected by the climate crisis. Through our interventions, we champion the agency, inclusion and accountability for workers and communities.
Support the inclusion, agency and collective action of workers across industry transitions.
In our envisioned future, workers are pivotal in steering industries and policy towards green practices, with their insights, experience and voices leading the way. This transformation encompasses secure, equitable employment practices and rights, ensuring transitions in the built environment, fashion, and food sectors not only mitigate climate change but also enhance livelihoods and uphold respect for labour rights.
Support the policies, pathways and accountability mechanisms to strengthen labour rights across industry transitions.
We believe in the potential for a global economy where labour rights are universally upheld and respected, regardless of the sector. By fostering an environment where every worker benefits from agency and inclusion, and where strong accountability mechanisms are put in place to guide business and policymakers, our partners lay the groundwork for a just transition.
Where we focus
Across our interventions, we concentrate our efforts where we believe they can have the greatest impact, such as:
- Engagement: building awareness, capacity and agency of workers and communities of the industry transitions they are facing.
- Inclusion: ensuring meaningful engagement of workers and communities with policymakers and businesses to jointly plan and manage industry transitions.
- Incentives: supporting robust, consistent regulations that takes away the ambiguity of what companies need to do and levels the playing field for progressive companies.
- Transparency and accountability: building, analysing, and deploying evidence for transparency and holding key stakeholders to account for their commitments and obligations.
Out of scope
Areas outside our current focus:
- Non-industry focused collective action: initiatives not related to Laudes’ target industries and without a just transition lens.
- Voluntary industry initiatives: lacking robust accountability mechanisms or enforcement mechanisms.
- Naming and shaming: campaigns targeting individual companies without broader systemic change goals.
- Litigation: driving action through lawsuits and legal measures.
What we fund
Explore the initiatives we fund.
View Partner databaseEligibility criteria
Our grants fund partners to work collaboratively on brave initiatives that can contribute to systemic industry change.
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Strong and diverse partners, focused on learning and improvement, drive greater impact.
