The (Illegal) Immigrant Supply Chain
Even if you strongly believe in immigrant's rights in the US -- I say kick the bottom 20% off the welfare books each year (just like GE) and welcome a new wave of harder workers to our great country -- it's unlikely that you're considering the risk that illegal workers pose to your supply chain, according to a recent Purchasing study. The report also notes that while "less than 4% of buyers said their supply chains have been impacted by immigration issues and only one said it was the result of an immigration raid … Several respondents said they saw suppliers struggle when illegal workers went to their home countries for holidays and did not or could not return."
So much for not mattering to the supply chain! The truth is that illegal immigrants are very much a part of the United States' workforce -- especially lower down in the supply chain tiers. And even though many Spend Matters readers might disagree with our political policies regarding illegal immigrant labor -- as do I -- it's everyone's responsibility in the procurement and operations world to think through the supply risk that a potential factory shut down due to an immigrant raid or new worker-related policies can pose. And it's also our responsibility to track supplier compliance on these issues as well.
- Jason Busch
So much for not mattering to the supply chain! The truth is that illegal immigrants are very much a part of the United States' workforce -- especially lower down in the supply chain tiers. And even though many Spend Matters readers might disagree with our political policies regarding illegal immigrant labor -- as do I -- it's everyone's responsibility in the procurement and operations world to think through the supply risk that a potential factory shut down due to an immigrant raid or new worker-related policies can pose. And it's also our responsibility to track supplier compliance on these issues as well.
- Jason Busch
This would be an extremely difficult task for purchasing organizations to monitor. Even the raid mentioned in the Study you linked was a result of months of investigations and an undercover agent posing as an illegal immigrant. A costly endeavor to be sure.
Many Purchasing Manager's mention that they have some language in their contracts, stating that it is the supplier's responsibility for these issues. But let’s be honest, if the supplier is willing to break Federal law, and possibly do jail time, the language in your contract on this issue, doesn't mean squat to them.
I hate to be so negative on this, but until Uncle Sam steps up and gets their hands around the illegal immigration policy, you won't find many companies in the Commercial/Industrial Sector willing to foot the bill. Until that time, the best strategy is basic Sourcing 101 -- Have multiple sources for your most critical needs.
I could be wrong, but at least that’s what my (I'm hoping legal) Nanny and Cleaning person think.