The International Labour organisation is to introduce a social label" for goods produced in countries that comply with its labour conventions. Only producers in countries which allow workers the right to join trade unions of their choice, prohibit child and slave labour and outlaw discrimination will able to use the label.
The director general of the ILO, Mr Michel Hansenne, said the globalisation of trade could not be left to its own devices. It was already leading to dangers of social dumping and some countries were justifying the suppression of civil rights on the basis of preserving their competitive advantage.
Action in this area was primarily a matter of political will, he said. But the introduction of a "social label" would allow companies, unions and consumers a chance to exert pressure on recalcitrant governments.