Freedom of association and the right to organize is a foundation for workers to present and discuss common challenges and concerns with employers. This is central to raising work standards and to improving workplace practices related to e.g. discrimination, wages and other issues. Hence, focus on worker representation could be an important mean to prevent and reduce risks related to several of the topics in your company’s supplier code of conduct. Freedom of Association (FOA) and collective bargaining (CB) are significantly less focused on than other fundamental rights, even though they are the subject of greater active resistance. Responsible businesses therefore recognize the absence of independent unions as an important risk factor.
To learn more, please join this digital workshop in two sessions.
- Part 1: Wednesday 21.04.21 (Time:12:00-14.00)
- Part 2: Tuesday 17.04.21 (Time: 12.00-15.00)
Target group:
The pilot training is suitable for any private or public businesses that want to learn more about how to take practical steps towards worker representation in the supply chain and on site. The training is particular suitable for those who are responsible for ethical trade and sustainability within the company. It is also suitable for worker representatives at your work place.
Content and outcome:
Through supporting and progressing worker representation the purpose of this training is how to strategically mature supply chain industrial relations for better working conditions. It is mostly focused on directly contact with producing suppliers, but measures can be adopted to managing intermediaries (such as agent f.eks.).
Based on the trade union model of elected representatives we aim to explore:
- Lack of freedom of Association and worker representation as a salient risk, causing severe negative impact on people, society and the environment.
- What is worker representation and the part they play in reducing risk at site level
- Progressing worker representation, through communication strategies
Expected outcomes is:
- An understanding of the due diligence approach to freedom of association, collective bargaining and worker representation at national and site level.
- Identify entry points to map a strategic pathway to promote, support and invest in the development of independently elected worker representatives.
- Equip companies to gather internal evidence to support the case for worker representation in early dispute resolution, audit participation and engagement with suppliers and producers.
Preparation and implementation:
The training will focus on facilitated discussions with reference to a practical guidance on worker representation developed by ETI. Participants will get an e-mail with the guidance and asked to pre-read parts of it. Bewteen the two workshops you will be asked to do some assessment in your own supply chain. Part 2 of the workshop will then build on this.
Registration:
The workshop is for members only, registration fee is 500 kr.
Information and a link to join the workshop will be sent closer up to the event. For registration, please use the registratin form below.
