Project Synopsis

The prevalence of informal and unstable employment, remote work environments, low literacy levels, and lack of awareness about rights increase the risk of exploitation and forced labour. Weak law enforcement and inadequate laws in rural areas where most plantations exist exacerbate the situation. Additionally, the proliferation of certification programmes and lack of clarity regarding their principles and criteria can add to enterprises' regulatory and compliance burdens. Voluntary certification schemes may not effectively ensure access to workers' rights due to the absence of the workers' voice and strong grievance redressal mechanisms. In a worker-driven social compliance system, workers hold a significant role in a collective effort to enforce labour standards through binding commitments between companies and workers' organizations. The system includes stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, development of standards, compliance monitoring, remediation of violations, independent verification, and performance reporting.

The project aims to create global worker-driven social compliance systems, emphasizing the importance of empowered workers in protecting labour rights. It focuses on advancing workers' rights, improving working conditions, and eliminating forced labour, emphasising freedom of association and collective bargaining. Building the capacity of unions and members is crucial for workers to monitor conditions and access grievance mechanisms. Respect for workers' rights to associate and bargain collectively is essential for creating workplaces free from forced labour and resilient to its risks. These rights are fundamental for social dialogue and consensus-based solutions to decent work challenges, including the risks of forced labour.