IndustriAll Global Union and industriAll European Trade Union are raising serious concerns about proposed revisions to crucial EU sustainability laws, warning that the changes would erode hard-won protections for workers across global supply chains.
In an open letter, the two union federations urge European lawmakers to resist growing pressure to dilute corporate human rights due diligence (HRDD) laws. These laws—especially the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)—are vital tools to hold corporations accountable for labor conditions throughout their operations and supply chains.
The proposed revisions, included in the Omnibus Directive Package I and II, are being framed under a “competitiveness” agenda. But union leaders argue that these changes would directly harm workers by scaling back obligations on companies to prevent labor abuses, respect union rights, and ensure safe and fair working conditions.
Weakening corporate accountability measures sends a dangerous message—not only to multinational businesses, but to millions of workers who depend on these laws to ensure minimum labor standards are met. Without them, exploitation, unsafe conditions, and denial of union rights will remain unchecked, especially in global industries such as manufacturing, mining, and energy.
The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights has also criticized the proposed changes, warning that they contradict the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and threaten to reverse years of progress in corporate accountability.
The concern is shared by businesses. A recent survey of German business leaders showed that 69% support due diligence rules, with many already taking steps to implement them. Yet over half said the proposed changes create confusion and delay progress.
The alarm comes as the 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index shows a global decline in labor protections, with Europe and the Americas recording their worst scores to date.
As unions continue to fight for the rights of workers in critical sectors, they are calling on EU policymakers to strengthen—not weaken—the CSRD and CSDDD. The future of millions of workers depends on laws that put human rights, dignity, and fair treatment at the center of corporate responsibility.
Read the original article published in IndustryAll website.
