The Re:Structure Lab is collaboration between Stanford University, Simon Fraser University, University of Michigan and Yale University. Led by School of Public Policy Director, Dr Genevieve LeBaron, and her Stanford colleague, Jessie Brunner, the Lab brings together researchers and policy experts on forced labour in global supply chains and economic strategies to eradicate it.
The goal of the Re:Structure Lab is to end forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking on a global level by reimagining the business dynamics that sustain it. Over the past 18 months, the Re:Structure Lab has published a series of Forced Labour Evidence Briefs which consolidate evidence from recent academic research across several disciplines, including political science, law, sociology, business and management. They make recommendations to businesses and to governments to address the root causes of forced labour in global supply chains.
The briefs focus on six themes: mandatory human rights due diligence and transparency legislation; commercial contracts and sourcing; investment patterns and leverage; the labour share and value redistribution; worker debt; and ethical certification and social auditing. Each brief presents new ideas and examples of how business models and supply chains can be restructured to promote fair, equitable labour standards and worker rights. The briefs are being used by a range of organizations designing policy solutions to tackle forced labour, including business, government, civil society organisations, and unions.
SFU School of Public Policy students have the opportunity to get involved with the Re:Structure Lab and gain practical experience as researchers alongside their studies. This summer, the Lab hired 1st year MPP student Priscilla Fisher to work as a Research Assistant under Genevieve LeBaron’s supervision. Together, they published an op-ed in the Globe and Mail about Canada’s proposed modern slavery legislation and are working on further publications. LeBaron said: “I am excited to have moved Re:Structure Lab to the SFU School of Public Policy and look forward to collaborating with colleagues and organizations across campus to design innovative policy solutions for Canada’s key forced labour challenges.”
Find out more about the Re:Structure Lab here.