The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR)’s unveils first ever collective grievance mechanism in the natural rubber (NR) industry – a platform to address complaints against its members and which also creates a space for collaboration, improved relations and amicable and meaningful solutions amongst stakeholders in the natural rubber value chain. In situations where this is not possible, the Grievance Mechanism offers recourse and seeks to ensure remedy is provided to impacted parties.
Members and non-members can use this process to address existing concerns regarding a member’s violation of membership requirements or other guiding principles of the platform. The mechanism seeks to provide transparency and predictability in the process and requires resolutions to be reached in a timely manner, according to GPSNR. It asserts particular emphasis on finding expedient and impartial resolution for high risk cases involving impact on communities or the environment, through the creation of a complaints panel, which is made up of volunteer members, an external expert, and will judge whether and what kind of corrective actions need to be taken.
According to GPSNR, the process is comprehensive and risk-based, and is designed to bring parties to viable solutions and concrete remedies through a transparent process. ‘’The mechanism makes it possible for third parties to address issues with GPSNR members through an unbiased yet amicable process. The focus of the process will always be on finding solutions that work for everyone and provide both Complainants and Respondents with a transparent platform for resolution and accountability’’ said GPSNR Platform Director Stefano Savi.
In slightly over two years, GPSNR has established itself as a platform working towards systemic change in the natural rubber supply chain. The existence of a grievance mechanism showcases its commitment to a culture of fairness and transparency, Savi adds.