Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Non-Governmental Organizations and Trade Unions in the FLA
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and trade unions play a vital role in the FLA. They are among the stakeholders that founded the FLA and are represented -- by human rights, labor rights, and consumer organizations -- on the FLA's Board of Directors. At the grassroots level, the FLA partners with local NGOs and trade unions in order to build labor compliance in workplaces around the world.
- How can NGOs and trade unions participate in the FLA?
- Why should NGOs and trade unions participate in the FLA?
- For which activities does the FLA seek NGO and trade union involvement?
How can NGOs and trade unions participate in the FLA?
The FLA is building a partnership network where the FLA works in collaboration with local civil service organizations to provide sustained and effective approaches to ending sweatshop abuses. NGOs and trade unions can participate in a number of ways, including through FLA's monitoring program, third party complaint process, special projects, and governance structure. Please contact HBrindle-Khym@FairLabor.org to get more information and become involved.
Why should NGOs and trade unions participate in the FLA?
1. Collaboration is vital for progress
The field of corporate social responsibility is quickly changing and evolving. Corporate responsibility models aimed at protecting labor rights must be adapted to the challenges and opportunities presented in today's global economy. Different initiatives, which have been created to address some of these, can learn from one another's approaches and innovations in order to continue to improve workplace conditions globally. Therefore, the FLA participates in collaborative projects such as the Joint Initiative for Corporate Accountability and Workers Rights, training programs with International Labor Organization (ILO) and local worker's rights organizations. Through ongoing work with international and local NGOs and trade unions, the FLA hopes to further improve its approach to Code implementation.
2. Local NGOs and trade unions play an essential role
The FLA views local NGOs and trade unions as essential partners in eradicating sweatshops around the world. Because they are most intimately aware of the problems facing workers in the region they have a crucial role to play at various stages of the FLA monitoring process. Local groups can monitor factory conditions on an ongoing basis, provide essential training and services to workers, report labor problems and complaints to the FLA, and/or ensure that improvements are made in factories.
For which activities does the FLA seek NGO and trade union involvement?
The FLA incorporates the expertise of NGOs and trade unions in every aspect of its work; from developing developing remedial strategies at a worksite, providing training programs in factories, conferring with them when cross referencing information during third party complaints or factory monitoring visits, to actually monitoring and verifying working conditions at factories. What follows is detailed information for how to get involved.
Remediation and Training
NGOs work with FLA companies and factories to implement preventative measures or corrective actions following monitoring visits. In many cases this involves training programs for workers and management on local labor law, FLA Code and its implementation, NGOs with expertise in these areas take part as service providers and help prevent the recurrence of labor compliance problems.
Verification
The FLA requires that FLA companies verify the remediation they have implemented in factories. NGOs play an important role in verifying the completion and effectiveness of any remediation instituted by the company. Verification requires worker interviews, a records review and factory inspection.
Monitoring
The FLA accredits monitors to conduct independent external monitoring of facilities used by companies participating in the FLA. The FLA monitoring methodology requires monitors to demonstrate independence, impartiality, and a high degree of rigor and thoroughness in assessing compliance with the FLA Code of Conduct. Currently, the FLA has NGOs who are accredied monitors in a number of countries and it encourages others to apply. Click here for information about the accreditation process.
FLA Third-Party Complaint Procedure
The FLA's Third Party Complaint procedure enables "third-parties" to report labor violations or patterns of noncompliance with the FLA Code of Conduct directly to the FLA staff. NGOs and trade unions who are close to workers use this important channel to report labor problems to the FLA in a timely manner. With this information, the FLA can investigate violations of the FLA Code and, where necessary, implement needed remediation procedures. Click here, for information about the Third Party Complaint System.
Reporting
FLA accredited external monitors and company compliance officers are required by the FLA Charter to work with NGOs about the labor situation and working conditions in a given area before conducting a monitoring visit to a factory located there. FLA staff also relies on local groups to provide up-to-date information about factors affecting workers. These efforts all contribute to the continuing accountability and transparency of the FLA and its work.