Promise and pitfalls of mandatory due diligence for enhancing worker power in global value chains: the case of South African wine

Abstract

Due diligence regulations (DDR) are emerging across the global North to govern social and environmental conditions in global value chains (GVCs). Despite DDR’s regulatory significance, we know little about whether it can enhance worker power in GVCs. Based on analysis of South African wine, we ask: To what extent does DDR enhance worker power in South African wine value chains? We reveal that labour organizations and civil society organizations are using DDR as a discursive power source, whilst strategizing how to leverage DDR as an institutional power source. We suggest ways to enhance worker leveraging of DDR, and future research avenues.