2024 List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor
When America does right by its workers, it strengthens our nation. This principle has guided my career in public service and continues to drive my work as Acting Secretary of Labor. As we release the 2023 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor and the 2024 List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor, our efforts to protect workers’ rights and build an economy that works for everyone are more important than ever.
In today’s global economy, a labor rights violation in one part of the world has detrimental ripple effects everywhere. But I’ve also seen the flip side. When more workers can find and exercise their power, it leads to stronger economies, healthier communities, and more vibrant democracies.
This is why the Biden-Harris Administration is focused on advancing workers’ rights both at home and abroad. The Presidential Memorandum on Global Labor Rights marks a historic whole-of-government approach to elevating labor rights in our work overseas. This groundbreaking initiative directs departments and agencies to prioritize workers’ rights in all aspects of our global engagement.
Advancing worker-driven social compliance is a proven approach that empowers workers and holds companies accountable for ethical labor practices. By unleashing worker voice through protecting freedom of association and collective bargaining, we can sustain good jobs throughout global supply chains. And this is not just the right thing to do. Research shows that respecting workers’ rights maximizes market access and protects corporate reputations.
The reports released here provide a comprehensive look at the state of child labor and forced labor worldwide. However, we must also acknowledge illegal child labor within our own borders. No child should be working on dangerous equipment in the United States. No child should be sleeping through school because they have been cleaning an auto parts factory floor overnight– just as no child anywhere in the world should be working in cobalt mines or on fishing boats.
We cannot ignore this reality. My department continues to vigorously enforce domestic child labor laws. But we alone cannot eradicate child labor. We must partner with communities and empower them not only to identify child labor violations without fear of retaliation but to use their collective voice to create the conditions in which they and their families can thrive.
As we pursue our mission to end child labor and forced labor globally, let us remember that our success depends on our ability to work together. I urge all stakeholders to use these reports, along with tools like Comply Chain and the Better Trade Tool, to advance supply chain transparency and accountability, and prioritize workers’ rights. We must seize this moment to do what’s right for workers. Together, we can build an economy that lifts up every worker and creates a brighter future for generations to come.
Julie A. Su
Acting Secretary of Labor September 2024