Pressure on MEPs to hold firms to account over transparency

Campaigners are putting pressure on European politicians to pass an amendment on legislation that would require large companies to assess and report the impacts they have on communities and the natural environment.

The amendment is to be debated in Brussels on Tuesday and, if passed, will mean that companies will be legally obliged to report the impact that their businesses have, including within their supply chains. Campaigners say that the move would help to reduce the number of incidents and disasters, such as the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh in April.

Friends of the Earth is one of the campaign groups mounting pressure on MEPs, warning them not to give in to lobbyist pressure from the companies. 

The group’s head of campaigns Andrew Pendleton said, “MEPs must stand up to pressure from the UK government and companies and require firms to report on the huge impacts their operations have on people and the environment. 

“Many progressive businesses already want help to better understand and tackle problems in their supply chains, and recognise strong new transparency rules are a crucial first step towards ensuring products are responsibly made.

He added, “But the current proposal has gaping loopholes. MEPs must ensure all large companies are required to report on activities that impact on communities and ecosystems throughout their supply chains, and not just their profits.” 

Further reading:

Employers agree on a 77% wage increase for Bangladesh factory workers

Investigation finds ‘cruel exploitation’ of Bangladeshi factory workers

Compensate Bangladesh factory collapse victims, demand campaigners

UK retail chains must lift sweatshop workers out of poverty, says union leader