German automotive manufacturers are taking an increasing interest in the African continent and are investing in local production. As a result, a new dynamic is developing in the automotive supply chains for components and services, as well as for cars “made in Africa”. The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act has been in force for the past six months. The law holds companies above a certain size accountable for compliance with regard to basic workers’ and human rights along the supply chain. The respective companies will in due course be required to submit compliance reports on their due diligence obligations and complaint mechanisms. These reports will prompt questions about the challenges that workers have identified along supply chains in Africa. Ultimately, the Act is intended to strengthen the rights of workers and affected communities at local level.
The study"The German Due Diligence Act and the Automotive Supply Chain in Africa: An Opportunity for Trade Union Solidarity?" looks at working conditions in South Africa, Kenya and Ghana and analyses what options the law provides for trade unions to protect workers’ rights. The study demonstrates the need for the law as, according to workers on the ground, problems with regard to labour standards along the German automotive supply chain were identified before the law came into force. Hence, the close involvement of trade unions and works councils is central, both in Germany and in the respective countries. The virtual launch of the study discusses the following questions: What is required for a comprehensive implementation of due diligence obligations? What are the relevant successes and challenges, also with regard to the planned EU directive on the topic? How should trade unions be involved for an effective implementation of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act?
The stakeholder panel on implementation of due diligence obligations takes place at 4.00pm with the following participants:
- Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
- Rose Omamo, General Secretary, AmalgamatedUnion of Kenya Metal Workers, Vice President ofIndustriALL Global Union
- Stephanie Albrecht-Suliak, company representative of the department of politics and international affairs of IGBCE
- Moderation:Hendrik Simon, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt;co-coordinator of the study
When: June 22nd 2023, 3-5.00pm
Where: online via Zoom
To participate online please register under FES.Afrika@fes.de by june 20th.
For more information visit the event's facebook page.