Swiss multinationals narrowly avoid new ethics standards
A referendum on stakeholderism wins the popular vote but fails to secure enough support from cantons
CORPORATE CHIEFTAINS can barely keep tabs on what their own staff are up to, let alone suppliers and subsidiaries in far-flung places. A referendum in Switzerland on November 29th proposed to change that, making Swiss multinationals liable in domestic courts for lapses in human rights or environmental stewardship along their global supply chains. The proposal failed by the narrowest of margins—a watered-down version will come into force instead.
This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Swiss miss”
Business December 5th 2020
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