Grievance mechanisms & remedy in global supply chains

The central pillars of ETI’s current five-year strategy focuses on demonstrating the practical application of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). A key part of this strategy involves working to develop improved processes that provide remedy for workers who have been subject to discrimination, abuse or exploitation. 

In line with the UNGP’s, and to make it possible for grievances to be addressed early and remediated directly, business enterprises should establish or participate in effective operational-level grievance mechanisms for individuals and communities who may be adversely impacted. Where business enterprises identify that they have caused or contributed to adverse impacts, they should provide for or cooperate in their remediation through legitimate processes.

ETI has developed four background research papers* with the aim of driving improved practices and policies amongst our members and other relevant stakeholders. The central focus is on devising appropriate policies and processes related to operational grievance mechanisms, and ensuring access to remedy for labour rights violations in global supply chains. The papers cover:

1. Government Approaches to Remedy for Workers: What can Companies Learn? A Discussion Paper (CERNO)
2. Access to remedy - operational grievance mechanisms  An issues paper for ETI. Corporate Case Studies (ERGON)
3. Grievance Mechanisms, Remedies and Trades Unions: a discussion document. (Dr Aidan McQuade)
4. NGO Leadership in Grievance Mechanisms and Access to Remedy in Global Supply Chains (Jesse Hudson, Mark Winters)          

*These background research papers do not constitute a formal ETI position or endorsement of the case studies documented. They were commissioned to drive discussion and debate within ETI membership and wider stakeholders on how to improve grievance mechanisms and access to remedy in supply chain settings.