In a growing movement, several major pension funds and institutional investors are demanding that corporations such as Coca-Cola and Pepsico tackle labor abuses linked to sugar production in India’s Maharashtra region. These calls for action come after an alarming investigation highlighted issues such as child labor, debt bondage, and deeply troubling practices like coerced medical procedures affecting workers in sugarcane fields.
Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller, has taken a lead role in this initiative. His office oversees substantial pension investments—totaling nearly $1 billion in stocks from major sugar buyers. “We will bring pressure to bear on the companies we invest in who participate in that system,” Lander declared, emphasizing the potential leverage of investors in driving change across supply chains.
These sugar cane harvesters in Maharashtra endure some of the most deplorable working situations, often marked by violence and oppression. In light of this, Lander has collaborated with labor groups and other investors to engage companies in discussions about their sourcing practices and the welfare of workers involved.
Moreover, the initiative has gained favor in Washington, where the Biden administration is urging American retailers to utilize their influence to enforce better working conditions for sugar mill employees. According to anonymous sources within the State Department, officials are advocating for companies to ally with labor organizations to create a more humane and equitable industry environment.
With stakeholders from different sectors joining forces, the hope is to foster systemic changes throughout the sugar supply chain that prioritize human rights and worker dignity.
Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller, has taken a lead role in this initiative. His office oversees substantial pension investments—totaling nearly $1 billion in stocks from major sugar buyers. “We will bring pressure to bear on the companies we invest in who participate in that system,” Lander declared, emphasizing the potential leverage of investors in driving change across supply chains.
These sugar cane harvesters in Maharashtra endure some of the most deplorable working situations, often marked by violence and oppression. In light of this, Lander has collaborated with labor groups and other investors to engage companies in discussions about their sourcing practices and the welfare of workers involved.
Moreover, the initiative has gained favor in Washington, where the Biden administration is urging American retailers to utilize their influence to enforce better working conditions for sugar mill employees. According to anonymous sources within the State Department, officials are advocating for companies to ally with labor organizations to create a more humane and equitable industry environment.
With stakeholders from different sectors joining forces, the hope is to foster systemic changes throughout the sugar supply chain that prioritize human rights and worker dignity.
