Overview

This session is about identifying and creating tools and spaces for workers to collectively organise and promote their rights amidst complex business environments. We consider how these tools vary across different Southeast Asian contexts. For example, one case study considers how migrant workers in Malaysia (who make up the majority of workers) and domestic workers develop trust and a space to collaborate. The Malaysian context differs from more politically closed spaces where governments surveil workers and thus require different tools to negotiate economic rights.

Why it matters

This session explores barriers to worker engagement (e.g., power asymmetry, forced labour risks such as visa obligations, risk of being blacklisted and unable to seek work elsewhere), how to go beyond limited channels for negotiation, and developing a structure for more effective grievance channels.

Who should attend?

• General / multi-stakeholder

• NGOs/CSOs focused on labour rights in Southeast Asia

• NGOs/CSOs focused on international labour rights, specifically ones interested in how international labour rights standards can be enforced in politically closed environments

• Labour rights movement leaders and actors in Southeast Asia

What participants will gain

• Practical examples of how to build trust and adapt to the specific needs, relationship with and among workers over the long term

• An understanding of challenges that affect advocacy for workers’ rights (e.g., state suppression, limited protection for migrant workers, convoluted business contracts etc).

• Multistakeholder participatory action (e.g., international organisations, local groups, government, private companies etc) in ensuring workers rights are respected and enforced

• The importance of channels adapted to specific types of issues (e.g., sexual violence, racial discrimination)