News Release
US Department of Labor announces support for effort to promote workers’ rights in Indo-Pacific region
The department worked closely with the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to highlight the importance of labor rights globally in advancing the Biden-Harris administration’s goals for equitable trade and development in the Indo-Pacific region. At the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity’s Ministerial convening in Los Angeles on Sept. 8-9, 2022, four statements for each pillar including Trade, Supply Chains, Clean Economy and Fair Economy, were released that included a focus on labor rights.
“The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity is a new model for economic engagement that builds labor issues into our cooperation and integration with Indo-Pacific nations,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “In collaboration with our federal partners across the U.S. government, we are working to address labor rights in all four Pillars of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, and we look forward to joining participating countries, private sector employers, worker organizations and other stakeholders to ensure economic development benefits working people.”
Based on the statement objectives, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity country partners will work together to negotiate commitments to strengthen national frameworks and corporate accountability for protecting labor rights, and promote labor rights and transparency in supply chains. They will also seek a just transition to clean energy that respects labor rights and ensures transparent and inclusive economic growth, among other initiatives.
Learn more about the department’s international work.
