HREDD Workshop: Empowering Trade Unions for Responsible Leather Supply Chains
Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) organized a capacity-building workshop on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) for tannery trade union leaders and workers, highlighting the crucial role of trade unions in promoting responsible and sustainable leather supply chains.
As global buyers increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD), trade unions have an essential role to play in ensuring that workers’ rights are respected throughout the tannery supply chain.
The workshop focused on equipping trade union leaders and workers with practical knowledge to promote workers’ rights, workplace safety, and meaningful participation in improving compliance and sustainability across the leather supply chain.
- Understanding the principles and importance of HREDD in the leather supply chain
- Identifying and addressing labour rights and environmental risks in tannery workplaces
- Promoting Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), fair wages, decent working hours, and social dialogue
- Strengthening the role of trade unions in grievance mechanisms, workplace monitoring, and collective bargaining
- Enhancing engagement between workers, employers, and brands to promote responsible business conduct
The discussion emphasized that building a sustainable and competitive leather industry requires more than compliance; it requires active participation of workers and strong trade unions. By raising workers’ voices, identifying workplace risks, and encouraging constructive dialogue, trade unions can contribute to safer workplaces, improved working conditions, and greater respect for workers’ rights. Through this initiative, BLF continues its commitment to strengthening democratic trade unions, empowering tannery workers, and promoting decent work across Bangladesh’s leather sector. A responsible leather industry begins with empowered workers, safe workplaces, and collective action.