Multinational Enterprises (EMP/MULTI)

The Multinational Enterprises Programme (EMP/MULTI) is responsible for the promotion and follow-up of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration), which is the ILO’s key tool for promoting labour standards and principles in the corporate world.

EMP/MULTI’s work is aimed at increasing awareness of the MNE Declaration as a useful tool for companies, governments, and organizations of employers and workers; and promoting its effective use by facilitating a shared understanding of its principles. Its activities include

• Providing guidance and information to governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations. In 2008 the Programme will open a Helpdesk to offer expert advice to managers and workers from enterprises on the provisions of the MNE Declaration and international labour standards more generally.
• Carrying out periodic surveys to assess the effect given to the MNE Declaration.
• Undertaking research on labour and employment related aspects of multinationals’ operations.
• Implementing promotional and training activities as well as technical cooperation projects.
• Coordinating ILO’s activities related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
• Collaborating with other international organizations involved in CSR, such as the UN Global Compact, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the European Commission.

The work of EMP/MULTI receives direct guidance from ILO constituents through the Subcommittee on Multinational Enterprises of the ILO’s Governing Body.