2024-10-24

BERLIN - The new German Supply Chain Act requires all German companies to ensure that human rights are respected throughout their global supply chains. This means no child labour, no forced labour and no exploitation. But is this really the case?

This investigation goes behind the scenes at factories in Serbia, a Balkan country caught up in a 'race to the bottom' for foreign investment in which German companies play a major role. The team of investigative journalists interviewed workers, experts, company representatives and insiders, and sifted through a mountain of documents and reports to uncover how workers are treated as they produce cables and tyres for BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen.

Many of these workers endure long hours for minimal pay and face harsh treatment from their supervisors. Most are too afraid to unionise. Some have even filed complaints with German companies, as outlined in the Supply Chain Act.

But can these complaints make a difference? Or is the Act just a fig leaf covering up a system in which workers' rights are systematically violated on the periphery so that the centre can profit from cheap labour?

Photo: ©Jelena Đukić-Pejić

Team members

Nemanja Rujević

Nemanja Rujević is a Serbian journalist and editor based in Germany.

Nemanja Rujevic

Radmilo Marković

Radmilo Marković is an investigative journalist based in Serbia.

Radmilo Marković

Nadine Mena Michollek

Nadine Mena Michollek is a business reporter for the German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

Nadine Mena Michollek

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