Advancing Our Work with Grievance Mechanism & Worker Voice
Led by Christa Svensson from member company Tri Marine, Our Global Grievance Mechanism project for tuna fishermen has made significant progress since its inception.
The initiative was launched following the introduction of new standards mandating grievance mechanisms for Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs). Upon realising that many of our vessels lacked such systems, we embarked on developing a comprehensive Global Grievance Mechanism. Our main objectives are to create an accessible system for all tuna fishermen globally, address various types of grievances ranging from contractual issues to onboard conflicts and develop a flexible approach suitable for both distant water and local fishing operations.
Throughout the development process, our team has been collaborating across subgroups to draft and refine the grievance policy and procedure. We've conducted public reviews and practical testing on fishing vessels, incorporating valuable feedback from diverse stakeholders.
Following our first open Request for Proposals (RFP), we've engaged two specialised firms to assist with implementation. LRQA serves as our primary partner, bringing extensive experience in managing large-scale grievance mechanisms. Human Rights Consultancy (HRC) complements this with their expertise in tuna fishing vessel crew engagement.
The project officially kicked off in July and we're providing monthly progress updates. We're working diligently to create a cost-effective, efficient system that meets the complex needs of the tuna fishing industry. Our goal is to present a well-structured, implementable solution at the STF AGM in October 2024, including findings and a potential pilot programme proposal.
This mechanism is crucial for early issue resolution and improving overall working conditions in the fishing industry. It represents a significant step in our commitment to worker welfare and industry best practices. The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, as it has the potential to transform how grievances are handled across the global tuna industry.
As we move forward, we'll continue to provide regular updates on the project's progress. Your ongoing support and insights are invaluable to this initiative's success. We appreciate your dedication to this important work and we're confident that together, we're making meaningful strides in enhancing worker voice and welfare in the global tuna industry.