The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi welcomes the bipartisan Bill to combat modern slavery in our supply chains.
This Bill is an important step in the global fight to eradicate modern slavery and stop products made with forced labour from entering New Zealand.
Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges says, "New Zealand is not immune to the scourge of modern slavery. World Vision estimated that in 2022, New Zealand imported nearly $8 billion worth of goods made with forced or child labour. And we know some workers in New Zealand are also trapped in modern slavery.
We commend Labour and National for this bipartisan approach. It's a vital first step toward protecting the most vulnerable workers, both in New Zealand and internationally."
This Bill will bring New Zealand into alignment with other developed democracies such as Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands who already have modern slavery legislation.
The International Labour Organization estimates around 50 million people worldwide are trapped in conditions of modern slavery. Around 25 million are forced labourers, trapped by violence, coercion, and deception.
"The NZCTU will engage closely on this Bill as it moves through Parliament" says Ansell-Bridges. "International experience is clear: effective modern slavery laws require regulators with real enforcement power. Securing this will be a priority for the NZCTU."
