On November 29, 2018, the Australian Government passed the Modern Slavery Act 2018, which requires certain companies operating in Australia to report annually on their efforts to address modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.
As 2018 draws to a close, employers are looking to the next wave of labor and employment laws and regulations that will take effect in 2019 and beyond.
Governor Brown has signed into law a jaw-dropping number of bills that pertain to labor and employment issues, including expanded liability and training obligations surrounding sexual harassment.
The Australian State of New South Wales recently passed the Modern Slavery Bill of 2018, which requires covered companies to release an annual statement that details the steps taken to ensure their operations and suppliers do not engage in modern slavery.
On April 24, 2018, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that foreign corporations cannot be sued in the United States under the Alien Tort Statute.
The Hong Kong legislature is currently considering draft legislation which, if enacted, will require certain companies—including those incorporated outside of Hong Kong—to publish a “slavery and human trafficking statement.”
The Canadian Government recently announced two new initiatives to “strengthen Canada’s approach to responsible business conduct for Canadian companies doing business and operating abroad.”
The Australian Government has announced plans to release draft legislation proposing the introduction of a “modern slavery in supply chains” reporting requirement.
