PARTNER-LED SESSION: Accountability and responsible purchasing practices: avenues for resolving unfair purchasing practices and contract breaches
Feb 12, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
CC7
Description
Organised by STTI - Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative
This session is led by partner organisations and may not reflect the views of the OECD.
While significant progress has been made in addressing labour rights grievances in the garment sector, a critical accountability gap remains for manufacturers seeking redress for irresponsible purchasing practices by buyers. In the absence of accessible, trusted, and effective complaint mechanisms, manufacturers have few options to challenge unfair practices. This undermines not only suppliers’ commercial viability but also broader human rights and environmental due diligence goals.
The Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STTI), a manufacturer-led coalition, is working to address this gap. Building on earlier efforts, STTI has commissioned an in-depth study exploring feasible pathways for manufacturers to submit complaints and seek resolution when faced with harmful purchasing practices. This panel will explore different pathways for manufacturers to address unfair purchasing practices through complaints or grievances and identify concrete steps to make these mechanisms operational.
Please note that this session will not be livestreamed.
