Modern slavery remains a persistent reality in the 21st century, affecting millions of people around the world. According to the 2023 Global Slavery Index, approximately 50 million people currently live in conditions considered modern slavery, a 25% increase compared to five years ago. Of these, 27.6 million are subjected to forced labour and 22 million to forced marriages. This last form of slavery primarily affects women and girls, many of whom are underage.
Alarming data
Forced labour is present in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, mining, domestic work, and the textile industry. 63% of this forced labour takes place within the private economy. Moreover, one in four victims of modern slavery is a child.
This exploitation generates illicit profits estimated at over $245 billion annually, with sexual exploitation being the most profitable form within this abusive system.
The essential role of trade unions
In this bleak landscape, trade unions play a critical role in combating modern slavery and protecting labour rights. The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasizes that empowering unions is essential to ending exploitation, as they allow workers to organize, defend their rights, and demand decent working conditions.
However, in many countries, union rights are systematically violated. The 2025 Global Rights Index by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) reports that in 93% of countries, fundamental rights are breached, including the right to strike, to collective bargaining, and to form unions.
Purpose-driven companies with soul: indispensable agents of change
Still, the responsibility does not rest solely on unions or governments. Purpose-driven companies—those that genuinely integrate social and ethical commitment into their business models—have a powerful role to play.
These companies consciously act to eliminate all forms of exploitation from their value chains, implementing fair labour policies and promoting decent working conditions. They go beyond legal compliance to become proactive agents of change, fostering sustainability, transparency, and respect for human rights.
When a company embraces an authentic purpose, it not only improves the lives of its employees. It also inspires other market actors to act responsibly, generating a positive ripple effect across society.
A real-world case: SUDD Cobas in Italy
A compelling example is the Italian union SUDD Cobas (Sindacato Unione Democrazia Dignità), founded in 2018 in Prato, Tuscany. This union has actively fought precarious and exploitative working conditions in the textile industry, a sector marked by extreme labour conditions, especially among migrant workers.
Through mobilisations and campaigns such as “8×5”, SUDD Cobas has achieved significant progress, including full-time, permanent contracts for many workers. Their bold and committed approach has been essential to expose and fight exploitation in a sector vital to the Italian economy.
Modern slavery is a serious violation of human rights that demands urgent attention and collective action. Strengthening trade unions, supporting organisations like SUDD Cobas, and promoting the emergence of genuinely purpose-driven companies are all vital steps to protect vulnerable workers and build a fairer and more dignified world of work.
As entrepreneurs, activists or conscious citizens, we must act together to eradicate slavery in all its forms and foster an economy that upholds human dignity and fundamental rights.