Turning a Blind Eye: Ignoring Modern Slavery in the Race to Construction Project Completion

Abstract

Modern slavery is an illegal and unethical phenomenon affecting more than 40 million victims worldwide, with many of them employed in construction. This article aims to investigate why modern slavery continues to exist on construction sites managed by companies that have pledged to fight it. Primary data were collected using semistructured interviews with 22 experts working in construction companies in three organization for economic co-operation and development (OECD) countries (UK, Australia, and Switzerland) and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The construction companies were the unit of analysis, and their managers were the primary source of information. The results present the mechanisms that explain the difference between the official antimodern slavery statements of construction companies and the empirical observations on construction sites. The primary mechanisms are a lack of awareness, training, response, and responsibility, as well as alternative priorities. The results further show the role and importance of reporting cases of modern slavery in addressing it. The risk areas of modern slavery in construction projects, which include the lower tiers of subcontracting and the supply chains of construction materials, are identified. Furthermore, the article discusses the reasons behind the trivialization of modern slavery in construction companies: the presence of alternative priorities, the fear of reputational damage, blame-shifting, and minimizing the problem. Finally, we propose recommendations for construction companies and managers to help address modern slavery and offer areas for future research. This article presents two key novel contributions. First, we discovered a disconnection between construction companies’ official antimodern slavery statements and the reality on construction sites. Second, we identified the reasons behind this disconnection. Due to its low profit margins and project time constraints, the construction sector is plagued by unethical and illegal practices, including modern slavery. Modern slavery can result in reputational damage, financial repercussions from legal penalties, and loss of trust and opportunities among stakeholders. Therefore, construction companies and employees must be better informed about the ethical, legal, and economic implications of modern slavery, and construction companies must implement stricter regulations to address modern slavery. They should provide continuous and mandatory training to all employees, conduct regular site audits for laborers, raise awareness through posters and social media, and educate employees about reporting. Modern slavery should be addressed not only for ethical reasons but also for the quality and sustainability of construction projects. Finally, addressing modern slavery protects the reputation of construction companies and professionals and, most importantly, safeguards laborers’ dignity, health, safety, and well-being.