Human rights as a bargaining chip in US stimulus – what investors can do

Most Americans recognize the need for a stimulus package, as well as the critical role of essential workers and health protections for the most vulnerable. Yet these needs are being pitted against one another in negotiations in Congress. In particular, a proposed corporate liability shield would protect companies from lawsuits from COVID-affected stakeholders. These could be workers who were not given proper protective equipment, or the elderly in unsafe nursing homes. The measure limits recourse for human rights abuses and further erodes democracy, which is not good for investors and markets in the long run. Companies are understandably concerned about unlimited lawsuits, but to date, few have actually been brought, and most are hard to prove anyway. On the other hand, many situations obviously deserve their day in court. In short, the entire economy, investors, and markets are made to suffer on the back of an unresolved human rights issue.

The Predistribution Initiative, Preventable Surprises, and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) are convening a conversation with:

• Renaye Manley, Service Employees International Union (SEIU);
• Damon Silvers, AFL-CIO;
• Corey Klemmer, Domini;
• Billy Nauman, Financial Times Moral Money Column (moderator).

to discuss how and whether companies and investors are choosing to influence this debate, as well as practical ways investors can respond to make sure that the economy and human rights are both protected.

Date: THIS WEDNESDAY, December 16, 2020

Time: 12-1pm ET / 11am-12pm CT / 10am-11am MT / 9am-10am PT / 8-9am Alaska / 7-8am Hawaii