Richard Locke’s balanced and thoughtful commentary on improving labor standards in global supply chains correctly identifies the shortcomings of private regulation—both the overemphasis on the compliance model and a naïve belief in capability-building solutions. And he recognizes the roles of upstream pressures and customers in creating challenges for downstream suppliers. Locke has a “renewed appreciation for the older idea that ensuring fair treatment of workers—including real rights of association—is a public responsibility,” and he believes that public regulation is required to ensure fair treatment of workers in developing countries.
In an ideal world, I would completely agree with Locke’s prescription. If every country were a well-functioning democracy, where the government had the will and capacity to enforce labor laws, where public corruption was low and social equality prevailed, and where the labor force largely worked in the formal economy, this would be the right approach.