"An Open Letter To the Members of the Responsible Business Alliance" November 18, 2024

As you gather for the Responsible Business 2024 Annual Conference on 18 November, I am compelled to raise critical issues reflecting the reality on the ground that workers in the production line for your company experience. I sincerely ask that you consider the following three points and use the conference as a moment to reaffirm your commitment to workers’ rights and the well-being of those that power your company.

First, workers, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups have increasingly highlighted instances where human rights risks and forced labor issues persist in the supply chains of RBA member companies. Recent reports reflect that workers in suppliers of RBA-member companies continue to face poor working conditions, insufficient wages, and limited protection against hazards...I urge you to push the RBA towards worker-centered, outcome-focused, due diligence processes instead of its current input-based approaches.

Second, detailed audit findings, processes, and compliance reports are not made transparent for the public to review...I urge you to advocate for RBA to publicly release the results of its supply chain assessment process, audit results and corresponding methodologies...

Third, when the above conditions persist within the supply chains of RBA members, it suggests that the current standards and their processes have room for improvement...I urge you to ensure RBA’s efforts support a force for substantive change, rather than being a branding tool for ethical practices...