Worker Complaints

Any person with knowledge of a possible code of conduct or labor rights violation can submit a complaint.

Click here to go to the online complaint form.

Complaint process

All vendors are expected to comply with Consortium members’ code of conduct and to respond effectively and in a timely manner to complaints of non-compliance.  If vendors do not respond to worker complaints effectively or in a timely manner, the Consortium may conduct inquiries in order to determine that a complaint is genuine and legitimate; call for a site investigation; and report publicly on the final resolution of the complaint.  In the event a site investigation is required, the vendor is expected to pay for some or all of the costs as required by the member.

This is the Consortium's complaint and investigation process:

  1. The Consortium receives a code of conduct violation complaint from a worker, worker advocate, business, or other party.  The complaint is kept confidential.
  2. The Consortium contacts the complainant to verify that the complaint is genuine and to collect additional information about the complaint.

If the complaint is genuine:

  1. The Consortium makes a best-faith effort to determine if the complaint is legitimate by researching relevant literature and contacting organizations with appropriate expertise.

If the complaint is genuine and legitimate:

  1. The Consortium shares the complaint on a confidential basis with all members.  The complaint is considered “not verified.” Unless the complaint is filed confidentially due to fear of retaliation, the Consortium also requests the vendor to address the complaint and to ensure no negative repercussions come to the complainant.
  2. The Consortium decides whether or not to conduct an investigation, following Consortium guidelines.  If an investigation is warranted, the Consortium works with an independent monitor to conduct the investigation.  The vendor, applicable brands, and factory management are expected to fully cooperate with any Consortium investigation.
  3. If the investigation produces information that verifies the complaint, the Consortium classifies the complaint as “verified” and notifies Consortium members and the vendor.
  4. Working with the independent monitor, the Consortium facilitates discussions with members, the vendor, applicable brands, and the factory as needed.  The goal is to achieve timely remediation, after which the complaint and investigation report becomes public.
  5. Any settlement or remediation plan becomes public, along with the original complaint, the investigation report, and corrective action.  These reports are accessible from Sweatfree LinkUp!