December 2024

Voices heard: the impact of the worker helpline in our partner factories 

At Haglöfs, our commitment to fair labor practices is fundamental to our operations. Since 2012, we have been members of Fair Wear, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving working conditions for garment workers worldwide. Fair Wear collaborates with brands, factories, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, and governments to promote safe and fair labor practices. We continuously monitor and work with our partner factories to help them adhere to the Code of Labor Practices, addressing issues such as safe working conditions, fair wages, and freedom of association. Through training and guidance, we support factories in establishing systems that allow workers to voice their concerns safely and without fear of reprisal.

A vital component of this work is the Fair Wear helpline, a confidential service that provides workers with an additional layer of support. This helpline allows workers to report any violations of labor practices if they feel their concerns are not being addressed by the factory. Once a complaint is made, Haglöfs collaborates with the factory and other Fair Wear brands to investigate and resolve the issue, ensuring that workers' rights are upheld.

A real-life example: supporting a worker in need

To illustrate the impact of the helpline, consider the story of a sewing worker who began her employment in June 2023. By August 2024, she faced a health crisis that required her to seek medical attention. After being diagnosed with a serious condition, she was advised to take several days off work to recover. The worker promptly informed her supervisor, who approved her leave. However, when her condition did not improve, she had to extend her absence by an additional day.

Upon returning to work, the worker was shocked to learn from the Human Resources (HR) officer that she had been dismissed for taking unauthorized leave. The HR officer also informed her that her medical documents, which were from a private clinic, were not acceptable because the factory only recognized documents issued by state hospitals. Additionally, her July salary was withheld, and she was told she would need to return to the factory to settle compensation for the alleged unlawful termination of her contract.

Unsure of how to proceed and anxious about her rights, the worker contacted the Fair Wear helpline. The helpline team listened to her situation and provided guidance and support, helping her prepare for a meeting with factory representatives on August 15.

Finding a resolution

With the helpline’s support, the worker attended the meeting, where she was joined by the union chairman and factory representatives, including the director and a representative from the parent company. During the meeting, the factory agreed to pay her the outstanding salary for July and the days she had worked in August. The worker was also offered the option to continue working at the factory, but recognizing her health issues, the representatives assisted her in completing the necessary paperwork to resign from her position.

The worker expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the factory representatives, the brand, and the Fair Wear complaints handler. She was relieved that her benefits were settled fairly and that her situation was handled with care and respect.

The impact of the helpline

This story demonstrates the essential role of the Fair Wear helpline in protecting workers' rights. Without it, the worker might have faced unfair dismissal and lost her rightful compensation. The helpline provided her with the support and advocacy she needed to navigate a challenging situation, ensuring that her voice was heard and her rights were respected.

At Haglöfs, we are committed to ensuring that all workers in the factories we work with have access to the resources they need to safeguard their rights and well-being. The Fair Wear helpline is just one of the ways we support the workers, working toward creating a fair and just working environment for everyone involved.

About Fair Wear:

Haglöfs has been a member of Fair Wear since 2012. Fair Wear is a non-profit organization that collaborates with brands, factories, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, and governments to enhance working conditions for garment workers. Our membership in Fair Wear underpins our social responsibility initiatives across our clothing, footwear, and hardware factories. Fair Wear supports member brands by providing audits, training, a worker helpline, and local expertise in labor and human rights issues. It also offers a platform for member brands to collaborate within shared factories, helping to accelerate improvements in working conditions. Moreover, Fair Wear provides an external verification of Haglöfs’ sustainability performance, evaluating our processes and systems, with the results made publicly available on its website.