When migrant workers are prevalent in the labor force, risks of forced and child labor increase. Does not matter if it is SE Asia or the US. Greedy actors will take advantage of disadvantaged people anywhere in the world. Businesses and investors are on notice that governments and consumers will increasingly take action against companies violating labor laws or the standards set by the International Labor Organization. An ESG mindset allows management to know what's happening in their operations and their supply chains and address the issues before being hit with fines, enforcement actions and consumer boycotts. Yes, it comes at a cost, but it's not only doing the right thing—it's in the businesses long-term financial interest.
Steve Okun, Glenn Van Zutphen & Neil Humphries, Money FM