Here are some sustainability highlights from the month of September:
Lafarge Indictment: The French Supreme Court issued a noteworthy ruling finding that the French cement conglomerate Lafarge may be indicted for complicity in crimes against humanity. The Paris Court of Appeal had annulled the indictment in November 2019, finding that payments to terrorist groups did not amount to aiding and abetting their criminal plans. The highest Court found that “It is sufficient that [the accomplice] has knowledge that the principal perpetrators are committing or are about to commit such a crime against humanity and that by his aid or assistance he facilitates the preparation or commission thereof.” (para. 67).
Mourning John G. Ruggie: John G. Ruggie, father of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights passed away on September 16. A large number of tributes were shared online by the Business & Human Rights community.
Focus on Climate Change: On September 22, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued a sample comment letter regarding disclosure relating to climate change, signaling an increasing focus on this issue.
Minimum Wage in California: California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Garment Worker Protection Act (Senate Bill 62) on September 28, paving the way for garment workers in California to be paid a minimum hourly wage rather than a piece-rate compensation. For businesses with 26 employees or more, the rate is set at $14/hour. Of particular note, the bill provides for the joint and several liability of Brand guarantors for the full amount of unpaid wages, attorneys’ fees and penalties.
Duty of Vigilance: Representatives of the French government, trade unions, the OECD, civil society and academics met in Paris around Dominique Potier – rapporteur of the 2017 Law on the duty of vigilance – on September 29 to discuss the challenges and opportunities around the awaited European legislation on sustainable corporate governance and accountability. The European Commission has been silent regarding the status of the draft, which was expected before the summer.