Worker-Driven Remedies: Top-Down Must Meet Bottom-Up!

Amidst the discussions and deliberations at the 12th Annual Business and Human Rights Forum, one resounding theme echoed louder than ever: the pivotal role of worker-driven human rights remedies in transforming global supply chains. While top-down regulatory measures are crucial, this year's spotlight shone brightly on a transformative paradigm—a bottom-up approach that engages directly with the individuals most affected: workers and communities.

In the pursuit of rectifying the deep-rooted issues of human and worker rights violations within global supply chains, the traditional top-down enforcement mechanisms have held their ground. However, the conversations and insights from this year's forum underscored a powerful alternative: harnessing the strength of bottom-up approaches.

As echoed by Jennifer Wascak, JD , the Managing Director of Justice In Fashion (JIF), "...through our direct work with garment workers in Leicester, UK, I cannot emphasise enough that equal or greater corporate investment in "bottom-up" worker and community engagement models is even more key. What brands see as the risks and solutions in their supply chains are often neither relevant, accurate, nor appropriate for workers or their community.

Top-down must meet bottom-up! That requires, in part, investment in community-based engagement models."

This disconnect between both approaches perpetuates a distressing normalisation of rights violations, primarily rooted in a lack of awareness among workers. Empowering these invaluable contributors through robust education on their rights and fostering avenues for active participation—such as union formations or seeking support from specialised NGOs—can drastically enhance their capacity to advocate for equitable treatment.

?? Rights Violations Education:

In their work, JIF demonstrated the impact of grassroots worker engagement, providing direct support and empowerment to vulnerable workers. By facilitating clinics and offering support for garment workers seeking various benefits and housing support, JIF showcased the effectiveness of education and community-based assistance. Their approach went beyond traditional methods, relying on word-of-mouth referrals and building trust within communities to address worker exploitation.

?? Shifting Objectives of HRDD:

JIF's commitment to a "listen first" approach and long-term consistent presence embodies a redefined approach to Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD). Their focus on community-based models emphasises the necessity of investing in bottom-up engagement strategies to complement top-down approaches. By bridging the gap between traditional audit-based strategies and grassroots engagement, JIF's methods exemplify a transformative shift toward prioritising worker rights and ethical practices within supply chains.

?? Worker and Supplier Driven Remedy:

Justice In Fashion's (JIF) pioneering community-driven worker engagement in Leicester exemplifies a profound shift in power dynamics. By establishing the Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), JIF facilitated genuine representation for workers and suppliers, ensuring their voices were heard and respected. This unique community-based model in Leicester transcended traditional engagement practices, emphasising the importance of trust-building, overcoming language barriers, and empowering suppliers to play a pivotal role in shaping ethical practices within the supply chain.

?? As of?October 5th, 2023, Justice In Fashion's impactful initiatives stand validated by compelling statistics:

Clinics held:?20 in 2022 and 40 in 2023, totalling 60, with each clinic averaging 2.5 hours.

People in the community served and engaged since 2022:?323

Garment workers seeking employment-related help from JIF:?42

Former garment workers seeking benefits/housing support:?216

Documented active cases of worker exploitation:?26

These numbers are not just statistics; they signify the effectiveness and transformation of bottom-up worker and supplier engagement. By building trust among previously unheard and unseen communities, we have delivered rights education and legal support to workers and contributed to the shift in traditional audit-based strategies.

The transformative impact of Justice In Fashion's (JIF) bottom-up engagement strategies is undeniable. As we continue to redefine supply chain dynamics through genuine worker and supplier empowerment, we invite organisations committed to ethical change to partner with us.?

Get in touch with Justice In Fashion to start your organisation's journey towards meaningful bottom-up worker-driven remedies.