June 26, 2017
The Worker Engagement Supported by Technology (WEST) Principles, a set of guidelines for technology-driven efforts to engage workers in global supply chains, were unveiled at the Innovation Forum in Washington, D.C. today.
From mobile phones to social networks, technology can amplify workers’ voices by connecting them directly with brands, manufacturers, employers, and NGOs. The WEST Principles offer guidance in how to design and implement technological solutions that identify and address worker abuse and exploitation.
“By collaboratively creating a common point of reference for companies, employers, factories, and NGOs, we believe these principles have the potential to fundamentally shape how technology is used to improve workers’ lives,” said Dan Viederman, Managing Director at Humanity United.
Unveiling the Principles is only the beginning. Moving forward we will continue to engage stakeholders at all levels of global supply chains to collectively progress this work.