Transnational solidarity in global supply chains: Where are the ‘pinch points' and what are the levers for global networks to improve labour conditions?

The changing nature of global production and distribution processes has implications for labour governance systems and the mobilisation of transnational networks that support workers’ rights. The expansion of multinational companies (MNCs) across national boundaries has limited the capacity of nation states to regulate labour standards in global supply chains, whilst at the same time the internationalisation of production has reduced the points of contact between firms and organised labour groups. During the last decade, the difficulty of ensuring labour’s interests has been further exacerbated by the increased control exerted by branded retailers and international supermarkets in the developing countries where products are made and where the cost of labour is constantly squeezed (Prieto-Carrón, 2004). The implication for labour governance systems during this period has been a shift to voluntary standards e.g. private labour codes and standards, corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and practices (Robinson, 2010). A development which has been due to both the drive of business itself towards self-regulation and the emergence of civil society organisations (CSOs), global enterprise networks and community based organisations representing labour (Palpacuer and Parisotto, 2003; Heery and Frege, 2006). This paper discusses the challenges of different ‘pinch points’ of control in global supply chains and the various levers for labour and their representatives in terms of upgrading labour standards and skills (Ramirez and Rainbird, 2010). It explores how one particular international network, the World Banana Forum, has built solidarity between worker representatives, trade unions, CSOs, consumer activists and other key actors (business and governments), from the point of consumption (mostly Northern-based markets) to the countries of production (in the South), in order to ensure a sustainable banana chain for the future.