Links to UN bodies

Links to site map

Main Links

SCP:
CSD-18 Seminar Series / Press Conference, 30 March 2010

Press Conference hosted by the CSD Secretariat on the Consumers International’s publication entitled:

Checked Out

"Checked Out"
English | Français | Español

“Checked Out: Are European supermarkets living up to their responsibilities for labour conditions in the developing world?”

30 March 2010
New York, USA, UNHQ

The following experts will brief the press about the key findings of the report.

  • Ms. Catherine Nicholson, Senior Project Coordinator, Consumers International,
  • Mr. Thomas Graedel, Director, Center for Industrial Ecology,  
  • Mr. Jim Fava, Managing Director, Five Winds International.
  • Mr. Tariq Banuri, Director, Division of Sustainable Development, will make a few introductory remarks.
  • Mr. Tim Wall, Information Officer, Department of Information will moderate the discussion.

* The report referred to on this web page is co-financed by the European Union. The content is the sole responsibility of Consumers International and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the United Nations.

Background

The report is a study of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies of leading supermarkets in eight European countries:

  1. Belgium,
  2. Denmark,
  3. France,
  4. Greece,
  1. Italy,
  2. Poland,
  3. Portugal and
  4. Spain.

Labour conditions and trading relationships

The report focuses on the countrie's policies relating to labour conditions and trading relationships in developing country supply chains. It has revealed an inadequate and, at times, contradictory approach to addressing unacceptable labour conditions in the developing world. 

Social impact of consumption choices

According to the survey European consumers are increasingly concerned about the social impact of their consumption choices. There is widespread support amongst consumers for supermarkets paying their suppliers a fair price even if this led to higher prices for consumers.

Importance of incorporating issues of sustainability into all decision-making

The survey also shows that there is growing recognition of the importance of incorporating issues of sustainability into all decision-making.

Conclusions

It concluded that overall, there is a need to develop policies on labour conditions and trading relations and implement them through multi-stakeholder processes wherever possible and processes should be put in place for independent verification.

It encourages supermarkets to publish clear information about their CSR policies and their implementation.

It urges governments to introduce Right to Know legislation, or review existing legislation if it is not effective, to ensure that consumers have access to information about the sustainability of products and services.

Additional Information

Visit the "Consumers International" website for additional information including:

  • What consumers think
  • Why supermarkets?
  • How the consumer movement is involved