Out of the Shadows: Innovative Approaches to Combating Forced Labor and Other Forms of Worker Exploitation
Please join us for a high level, multi-stakeholder dialogue about federal, state and local strategies in the United States, Brazil and elsewhere to prevent and mitigate exploitative labor practices that increase workers' vulnerability to forced labor.
Friday, April 24, 20158:30 AM - 5:00 PM
UCLA School of Law, Room 1347
385 Charles E. Young Drive East
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Space is extremely limited. RSVP required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed.
Tackling forced labor and associated exploitative practices requires a multifaceted
approach using existing and new legal tools, strengthening enforcement capacities
and collaboration between government, civil society, labor and the private sector. At
the international level, in June 2014 the ILO adopted a Protocol on Forced Labor to
build on Convention 29, to promote prevention, protection and remedy. At the local,
state and national level, stakeholders are working to forge new strategies to address
forced labor and worker exploitation practices.
The one-day conference will showcase expert discussions and innovative approaches
by governments, companies, labor and civil society in three areas: new and existing
tools for government action; supply chains, labor markets and recruitment practices;
and fresh thinking to improve working conditions and worker’s rights.
Experts include representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor, Brazil’s National
Pact to Eradicate Forced Labor, California and Sao Paulo state, nongovernmental,
labor and private sector thought leaders, and other ILO partners
Further information can be found at: http://workerexploitation.org/
Agenda
8:30 –8:50 am
REGISTRATION
9:00 –10:30 am
OPENING VIDEO & EXPECTATIONS FOR THE DAYPANEL I: NEW AND EXISTING TOOLS. EXAMINING NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPROACHES – WHAT WORKS?
This session considers emerging laws, policies, and law enforcement strategies; cross-agency and multi-stakeholder cooperation mechanisms; and social support programs at the federal, state, and local levels to address exploitative labor practices with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. The experts will look at efforts in the U.S. and Brazil and consider how initiatives now underway could be broadened and deepened to reduce workers’ vulnerability to forced labor and other forms of worker exploitation.
10:30 -10:45 am
COFFEE BREAK
10:45 am –12:15 pm
PANEL II: GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS, LABOR MARKETS, AND LABOR RECRUITMENT
This session includes an examination of partnerships developed in Brazil to combat forced labor; reviews U.S and international approaches to collaboration between governmental and private sector actors; and discusses responses to labor market issues, unethical labor recruitment, and government and private sector efforts to fill gaps.
12:30 –1:30 pm LUNCH (PROVIDED IN THE ATRIUM)
1:30 –3:00 pm PANEL III: RAISING THE FLOOR – FRESH THINKING TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS AND WORKERS’ RIGHTS
This session considers worker-driven strategies to improve working conditions, including new approaches to standard-setting, monitoring, and interaction with government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. The experts will identify high-impact efforts to address exploitative labor practices and to promote decent working conditions, freedom of association, and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance legal and policy implementation and enforcement.
3:15 –3:00 pm
COFFEE BREAK
3:15 –4:45 pm
PANEL IV: FROM THINKING TO DOING – PUTTING CONFERENCE IDEAS INTO PRACTICE & POLICY
This session captures ideas generated in each of the three sessions regarding effective strategies, partnerships, tools, gaps, and opportunities. Experts will engage with participants to synthesize ideas and identify next steps and forward-looking policy implications.
Sponsor(s): Burkle Center for International Relations