US joins other G7 leaders in adopting declaration on sustainable supply chains

Participants: U.S. Department of Labor's Deputy Secretary Christopher P. Lu; G7 ministers of Employment, Labor, Social Affairs, International Cooperation and Development

Announcement: In Berlin, the leaders of the G7 today issued "Action for Fair Production," a ministerial declaration outlining specific actions to promote worker rights and improve working conditions and environmental protections in global supply chains. The ministers agreed on a number of measures, including the creation of the "Vision Zero Fund," which will strengthen efforts around the world to prevent and reduce workplace-related deaths and serious injuries. Government and private-sector contributions will support the fund. Deputy Secretary Lu announced that the U.S. Labor Department will contribute $1 million to the fund.

Background: Today's declaration emerged from a two-day, G7 labor and employment ministerial meeting in Berlin, building on the G7 Leaders' Summit decision adopted earlier this year to improve "labor rights, decent working conditions and environmental protection in global supply chains."

Statement: "As some of the world's largest consumers and producers, we not only have the power to promote efforts to keep workers safe in other countries; we share a responsibility to do so. The U.S. supports today's declaration, including the establishment of the Vision Zero Fund, which represents a significant milestone in the path toward safe and healthy workplaces worldwide.

"By helping producing countries and social partners strengthen their capacity to protect worker health and safety, we can help prevent work-related accidents for millions of workers in global supply chains. In turn, this can contribute to inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

"We look forward to continuing to build our working relationship with the fund and our friends at the International Labour Organization who will administer it — as well as continuing to work through the G7 process to bring together governments, businesses, and global trade unions to take on this shared responsibility."

— Deputy Secretary Christopher P. Lu, U.S. Department of Labor