World News Desk: US President Joe Biden on Thursday directed the federal government to step up efforts to advance labor rights around the world, using trade, diplomacy and other tools to strengthen ties with allies and their workers.
In a presidential memorandum on “Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally,” Biden declared that his administration “will undertake an ambitious and comprehensive Federal Government policy on global labor rights and standards” and “consider actions to integrate and elevate workers.”
Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, told this in a statement on Thursday said the United States will begin implementing key actions from President Biden’s Presidential Memorandum.
“Labor rights are integral to building democracy, achieving economic growth, strengthening supply chain resilience, and leveling the playing field for American workers and companies,” he said adding that this new whole-of-government approach will advance worker empowerment and unions, in line with President Biden’s policies here at home, read a press statement issued by the US Department of State.
He said the Presidential Memorandum for the first time directs Chiefs of Mission and Department officials to directly engage in labor diplomacy and enhancing programming and public messaging on workers and labor rights.
Blinken said the State Department’s efforts to advance internationally recognised workers’ rights will be carried out alongside interagency partners, including US Department of Labor.
“This Memorandum is intended to raise global labor standards, building on the full range of existing authorities and tools in diplomacy, foreign assistance and programming, law enforcement, and global trade and economic cooperation, consistent with relevant international obligations and commitments,” read the statement.