This month, Kristian Moeller attended the ten-year anniversary Ethical Trading Forum (ETF) international event held in Murcia, Spain. He delivered a parallel session alongside Canal Foros, the grievance mechanism of ETF. During his session, selected scenes from the documentary “The Pickers” (THE PICKERS – campaign inspired by the film) were presented by the campaigner for discussion.

The well-attended conference underscored the significance of establishing a national multi-stakeholder group that collectively addresses social and environmental issues within Spain’s fresh produce supply chain. It was a valuable learning experience and an excellent networking opportunity for dedicated individuals within the industry.

appellando welcomes such dialogue events of ETF. They are a significant partner in Spain, with both organizations committed to enhancing and scaling agricultural workers’ access to open social dialogues with their employers.

In response to German and upcoming EU supply chain due diligence legislation, appellando retail partners aim to implement a collaborative and effective grievance mechanism based on the UN Guiding Principles that foster an open and trusted social dialogue at production sites.

There is a shared interest in reducing duplication and providing simple, single-point access of workers to any helpline. One approach is that existing whistle-blower helpline services on producer level partner with appellando to include both features. They would need to meet the requirements of the supply chain due diligence law (LkSG) and the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP). Below is a simple guide to help companies to assess what is needed to adapt their whistleblower helpline systems effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Existing Whistleblower Helpline

Question: Do you have a whistleblower helpline?
• Yes: Proceed to Step 2.
• No: Seek an appellando approved helpline service that covers both needs, the Spanish whistleblower line and the appellando rules. Consider an external service for initial registration and re-direction of incoming complaints.

2. Internal or External System

Question: Is your existing helpline internal or external?
• Internal: Install an external independent service
• External: Proceed to Step 3

3. Language Accessibility

Question: Are helpline languages suitable for all workers?
• Yes: Proceed to Step 4.
• No: Review the languages spoken by your workers and include their preferred languages in the system.

4. Awareness and Training

Question: Do your employees know their rights and do they understand that they can safely use the helpline?
• Yes: Proceed to Step 5.
• No: Implement communication and training programs. Promote awareness of the helpline and ensure employees understand they are protected from retaliation. Contact appellando for suggestions.

5. Multiple Channel Accessibility

Question: Does your helpline operator offer multiple communication channels to easily contact them including phone and WhatsApp voice messaging?
• Yes: Proceed to Step 6.
• No: Ask your workers which additional communication channels to offer.

6. Operator Capabilities

Question: Does your helpline operator provide expert response to complainants and conflict mediation?
• Yes: Ensure compliance with all requirements.
• No: Consider switching to a service provider that offers comprehensive support or asking your existing provider to collaborate with recognized services.

Conclusion

To ensure compliance and effective implementation of your whistleblower helpline, follow the steps outlined above. Address any missing elements and collaborate with approved service providers to meet the additional requirements of German supply chain due diligence law and United Nations Guiding Principles.

Contact us at info@appellando.org. We will assist producers and producer groups as well as whistleblower helpline providers to find an efficient and effective solution to continue meeting the Spanish law and collaborating with your customers so they can better meet their needs.