MSN Codes Memo #23

Who’s got the Universal Code? examines attempts by multi-stakeholder initiatives and industry associations to develop and promote a “universal” code of conduct that would be applicable to one or more sectors in the globalized economy. We also compare and contrast key provisions on minimum labour standards in these competing “universal codes” and identify critical issues that are blocking agreement on a common code.

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MSN Codes Memo #22

Is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting measuring the right things? How can stakeholders assess whether a company’s business practices bear any relation to its CSR principles and objectives?

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MSN Codes Memo #21

Will heightened global competition in the post-quota free trade environment erode and reverse the incremental advances that have been made to date on corporate social responsibility or will we begin to see real change at the factory level? In this issue of the Codes Memo, MSN explores this question by reviewing the developments and trends in voluntary codes and government policy in 2006, and looking ahead to 2007 and beyond. Download Codes Memo #21 here.

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MSN Codes Memo #20

In this issue of the Codes Memo, we profile three key issues in the ongoing debate on codes of conduct and their implementation: social auditing, labour standards in China, and transparency. Download Codes Memo #20 here.

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MSN Codes Memo #19

Does CSR Ratchet Up Transparency Standards? Download Codes Memo #19 here.

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MSN Codes Memo #18

In this issue of the Codes Memo, we examine the worker and third party complaint processes of two multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) – the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) – and evaluate their effectiveness at a time when the garment industry is going through a major restructuring at the regional and global levels. The case study below focuses on two parallel third party complaint processes, in which the Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) was directly involved, concerning alleged violations of freedom of association at a Honduran factory owned by Canadian T-shirt manufacturer Gildan Activewear. Download Codes Memo #18 here.

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MSN Codes Memo #17

In this issue of the Codes Memo, we focus on recent developments and trends in company Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports, with an emphasis on labour standards compliance reporting. We also profile some new resources on CSR reporting and relevant issues that need to be addressed in those reports. Download Codes Memo #17 here.

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MSN Codes Memo #16

In MSN's 2003 Year End Review, MSN consulted with a number of key business, labour and NGO leaders and academics about recent developments and trends in voluntary codes of conduct and their implementation. Download Codes Memo #16 here.

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MSN Codes Memo #15

In this issue: Labour Rights, Trade Agreements and the MFA Phase Out; UN Committee Approves Corporate Accountability Norm; WRC Releases New Investigative Report; WRAP Raps MSN Study; Nike Signs Australian Deed; World Bank Studies CSR; Kasky v. Nike Settled? and New Resources. Download Codes Memo #15 here.

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MSN Codes Memo #14

In this issue: FLA Releases First Annual Report; Multi-stakeholder Initiatives Seek Common Ground; FLA/WRC Collaborate at BJ&B; WRC Releases Primo Report; Governments Reinforce CSR; Canadian Report Dismisses Factory Disclosure Proposal and New Resources. Download Codes Memo #14 here.

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