Empowering Workers through Labor Line and eLearning in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Cambodia
Ensuring all stakeholders in the supply chain are aware of their rights and responsibilities is crucial for fostering a fair and transparent working environment. Labor Solutions partnered with a global fast moving consumer brand to implement a comprehensive program combining the Labor Line and WOVO eLearning modules across Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The initiative increased the reporting and resolution of worker grievances and strengthened the overall engagement and trust within the workforce.
Getting Started: Building trust and stakeholder engagement
Alignment with Client’s Code of Conduct: Our first step was to ensure that all protocols met both corporate and regulatory standards. This alignment was critical to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the program.
Supplier Training: We conducted a series of training sessions for suppliers to help them understand the process and their roles in the implementation. Clear goals were set for both suppliers and worker eLearning outcomes.
Communication Campaign: To announce the program to workers and clearly communicate how a case would be handled, we distributed posters and videos in the facilities. This ensured that the information was accessible and understandable to all employees.
Rights + Responsibilities eLearning Modules
Labor Solutions has seen in other programs that education was key to a functioning grievance mechanism. Therefore, we encourage our client to implement Labor Solutions’ Rights + Responsibilities eLearning Modules in conjunction with Labor Line.
Workers were provided with access to comprehensive Rights and Responsibilities eLearning modules. These modules were designed to educate them about their rights and how to report grievances effectively.
The modules included:
🏭Working conditions
🦺Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
🤝Freedom of association and collective bargaining
🚫 Forced labour, child labour, and minimum age
✋Discrimination and elimination of violence at work
User Experience
To maximize engagement and accessibility, we focused on the following key areas:
Worker Access to eLearning Modules: Workers were provided with access to comprehensive Rights and Responsibilities eLearning modules. These modules were designed to educate them about their rights and how to report grievances effectively.
Supplier Access to HRDD eLearning Modules: Suppliers were given access to Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) eLearning modules to ensure they understood their obligations and how to manage worker grievances effectively.
Anonymity and Accessibility: The program ensured anonymity and was accessible through various channels, including mobile applications and on-site kiosks. This encouraged more workers to voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.
Multi-Lingual Support: To cater to the diverse workforce, the eLearning modules and reporting tools were made available in multiple languages, ensuring that language barriers did not impede participation.
Multi-Channel Access: Workers can access Labor Line via WhatsApp, Text, Call, WeChat and QR code
Outcomes and Benefits
The program has yielded significant positive outcomes and benefits:
High Engagement Rates: 65% of the worker population completed the eLearning modules, and 100% of suppliers completed the HRDD eLearning modules.
Improved Grievance Handling: 83% of cases were handled directly by suppliers with Labor Solutions' oversight, reducing the number of cases elevated to the brand. This improvement is attributed to the effective training provided to suppliers.
Increased Worker Participation: Workers were 6x more likely to submit a case after completing the eLearning modules. This increase in participation indicates that workers felt more empowered and confident in the grievance process.
Real-Time Data and Reporting: The implementation of real-time data and reporting systems allowed for the generation of monthly reports detailing grievance types, handling progress, and trends. These reports were instrumental in driving continuous improvement efforts.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Labor Line and eLearning tools in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Cambodia has significantly improved the awareness and engagement of workers and suppliers regarding their rights and responsibilities. By ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and equipped to handle grievances effectively, we have fostered a more transparent, fair, and supportive working environment.
At Labor Solutions, we are committed to continuing our efforts to improve worker conditions and enhance supplier capabilities. Our success in these countries demonstrates the potential for broader application and the positive impact of comprehensive education and support programs.