About Our Project.
In a rapidly shifting global economy, how can we ensure supply chains promote equitable labour standards and abolish forced labour?
Reimagine —
Traditional business models are being tested. Workers the world over are organizing for better working conditions and basic dignity on the job. Communities, policymakers, and unions are invested in building better systems free from labour exploitation. As the world finds a new equilibrium after the shocks of the pandemic, Re:Structure Lab leads on crucial research necessary to reimagine business models and supply chains to inform a more equitable economy.
We bring together academic expertise in political science, law, policy, and business with frontline anti-trafficking policy and advocacy experience. Re:Structure Lab’s research strikes at the heart of forced labour’s root causes and centres the most impacted workers.
The Lab aims to push the evidence base for structural business model change to address forced labour and exploitation deeper into public policy.
The Lab works with policymakers, civil society advocates, academics, and businesses focused on combating severe labour exploitation. For example, the Lab’s Briefs have informed consequential media coverage and public conversations about forced labour; public procurement officers cite Lab work in altering their business-partner relationships; international development banks responsible for trillions of dollars of spending annually look to the Lab for guidance on revised safeguarding policies; worker rights organisations and an armoury of civil society organisations strengthening human rights in business draw on the Briefs to push forward evidence-based advocacy campaigns; and policymakers incorporate Lab learnings into proposed legislation.
With generous support from Humanity United, the Freedom Fund, and the Ford Foundation, Re:Structure Lab is currently focused on ensuring those with the drive and power to change the status quo are well-equipped with the necessary evidence. We leverage our roles in key academic institutions to facilitate convenings of stakeholders that push the pace and quality of research — including the development of new curricula — and highlight interlinkages between research, advocacy, and policy.