Forced labour refers to situations where individuals are compelled to work against their will under the threat of violence, punishment, or other forms of coercion. This can include debt bondage, human trafficking, and slavery-like practices. Workers trapped in forced labour conditions often have their freedom restricted, are subjected to abuse, and are paid little or nothing for their work. This is a serious violation of personal rights and dignity, often occurring in industries with complex and opaque supply chains.

Example: Migrant workers are lured to a foreign country with false promises of high wages, only to have their passports confiscated upon arrival and be forced to work in inhumane conditions under threat of violence.

Unsafe working conditions occur when workers are exposed to environments that pose significant health and safety risks without proper protective measures. This includes exposure to toxic substances, lack of safety equipment, dangerous machinery, and overcrowded workspaces. Such conditions can lead to workplace injuries, chronic health problems, and even fatalities. Ensuring a safe working environment is a fundamental human right, and failure to provide this can have devastating consequences for workers and their families.

Example: Workers in a textile factory are required to handle chemicals without protective gloves or masks, leading to chronic respiratory issues and skin diseases.

Unpaid wages represent a violation of the right to fair compensation for work performed. This can occur when workers are not paid on time, are underpaid, or are denied payment altogether. Such practices are often found in industries that rely on low-wage labour, including construction, agriculture, and garment manufacturing. This not only affects the workers' livelihood but also violates their basic right to just and favourable remuneration for their work, leading to financial instability and poverty.

Example: Seasonal agricultural workers are promised a certain wage for their labor, but at the end of the season, they are paid significantly less than agreed upon, or their payment is delayed indefinitely.

Oppression of unionisation refers to actions taken to suppress workers' rights to organize, form, or join unions to collectively advocate for their interests. This can involve intimidation, retaliation, unlawful dismissal, or policies designed to prevent union activities. Such practices are often prevalent in sectors with precarious employment conditions, such as hospitality, retail, and logistics. This undermines workers' ability to negotiate fair wages, secure benefits, and improve workplace conditions, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and vulnerability.

Example: Warehouse workers attempt to form a union to address unsafe working conditions and low pay. However, management retaliates by firing key organizers, threatening workers with job loss, and implementing policies prohibiting union discussions during work hours. As a result, employees are intimidated into abandoning their efforts to unionize.