Grievance mechanisms: An overview of options for manufacturers

Technical seminars provide manufacturers with specific and timely information on key issues facing the sector. Unlike regular online events, the GIZ FABRIC technical seminars are expert-led training and/or consulting sessions where attendees have ample time to ask questions specific to their situations.

This technical seminar is specifically for manufacturers and brand representatives who want to learn more about the different types of grievance mechanisms on offer. Buyers expect suppliers to have effective and transparent processes in place for employees to air grievances, and this expectation will be legally mandated for some German brands and retailers as of 1 January 2023. Everyone is welcome, no matter the level of expertise on the issue.

Our speakers, Liselotte Goemans and Sofia Menfalout, will provide an overview of the main types of grievance mechanisms, which include i) trade unions; ii) worker committees; iii) worker hotlines; iv) digital tools, etc. Attendees will have ample opportunity to ask specific questions related to their own circumstances, and to discuss any other issues arising.
Note: the speakers will NOT be recommending any specific system but providing an overview of options and the ways in which they should be overseen or operated to ensure good or best practice.

SPEAKERS:

Liselotte Goemans, Grievance Mechanism Coordinator, Fair Wear
Liselotte joined Fair Wear in 2018 and is responsible for coordinating Fair Wear‘s activities surrounding access to
remedy. This includes coordinating Fair Wear‘s grievance mechanism, working on guidance to improve factory level
grievance mechanisms and collaborating with other like-minded organisations in the industry. Fair Wear works with
garment companies to improve labour conditions in the garment industry. Members of Fair Wear - European garment companies - work towards improving the labour conditions in factories that produce their garments. The basis of the collaboration between Fair Wear and a member is the Code of Labour Practices.

Sofia Menfalout, HRDD Implementation Coordinator, Fair Wear

Sofia joined Fair Wear in 2020 and is responsible for coordinating the implementation of Fair Wear’s Human Rights
Due Diligence policy, introduced in 2021. The policy reflects Fair Wear’s strategy to move beyond audits and contributes to alignment with OECD requirements and industry standards. Specifically, Sofia coordinates the in-country implementation of the policy in Fair Wear’s production countries and she oversees Fair Wear’s supplier training directions. She also contributes to all Fair Wear work related to factory level grievance mechanisms improvements in suppliers.