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Beyond the brands: COVID‐19, supply chain governance, and the state–labor nexus

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  • Michele Ford
  • Michael Gillan
  • Kristy Ward

Abstract

This article analyses the role played by brands, producer‐country governments, and unions in mitigating the impact of disruptions caused to garment supply chains by COVID‐19 in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Its findings challenge brand‐centric accounts, highlighting the need for more serious consideration of the dynamic, relational nature of labor governance—and, in particular, of the role of the state–labor nexus in determining producer‐country unions' ability to exercise strategic agency within global supply chains.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Ford & Michael Gillan & Kristy Ward, 2023. "Beyond the brands: COVID‐19, supply chain governance, and the state–labor nexus," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(2), pages 172-188, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indres:v:62:y:2023:i:2:p:172-188
    DOI: 10.1111/irel.12321
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Michele Ford & Michael Gillan, 2022. "Understanding global union repertoires of action," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(6), pages 559-577, November.

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