What's New with 3.0
Welcome to the “what’s new” section of FLA 3.0!
Here, we will do our best to keep you updated on what is happening in 3.0 land, what the next steps are, and also inform you about trainings in which you can participate.
If you have questions -- or information that you would like us to include on this page -- please contact Rika Dunder at rdunder@FairLabor.org.
Please check back regularly to see what's new.
February 2008:
Root-cause analysis and capacity building plan discussions took place between Regional Compliance staff and the suppliers who participate in FLA 3.0 in China and Thailand.
FLA members gave initial information on how many suppliers and in which countries (Central America and Turkey) they will nominate for participation in FLA 3.0 in 2008.
January 2008:
Soccer Project suppliers in Thailand took the SCAT (self-assessment) in order to establish a base-line. Although we realize that this is not an accurate base-line (as capacity building has already taken place for quite a while) the suppliers did want to see where they were and to have this to compare their future IEA (assessment) results against.
For 3.0
China and Thailand – the last SCOPE reports were sent out to the suppliers in China and Thailand.
Initial meetings between CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) and FLA staff took place in Turkey in order to prepare for the roll-out of 3.0 in 2008.
This will take place in March in Central America.
Planning for the roll-out in these two regions is ongoing.
First Issue of joint Soccer Project/3.0 Newsletter was issued and sent out.
December 3-7, 2007:
During this week the FLA will hold two workshops (one in Bangkok, Thailand and one in Guangzhou, China) for the suppliers and brands that actively participate in the Soccer Project. Why do we talk about this under "what's new with 3.0?" Because, as you know, the Soccer Project is the pilot project for 3.0 so the two are very closely related!
We will also hold a 1-day introduction to 3.0 in Shenzhen, China for some additional suppliers wishing to join the program.
Updates will follow after the different activities have been held!
October 2007:
Official start of 3.0 in China and Thailand!
During the first two weeks of October the first group of "3.0 suppliers" filled out the online self-assessments - SCAT - treating Dispute Handling (also known as Grievance Procedures). This was a test of the Assessment Portal as well- a reassuring one, there were no reports of problems with logging in and/or using the tool.
The suppliers received their results - these were also sent to the FLA affiliated company that had invited them to participate in 3.0, and to the FLA.
Some very initial trends could already be discerned and those were presented to the Monitoring Committee in October. As more data is collected and analyzed we will see if those trends are validated.
Also during October, FLA accredited service providers started the preparations for performing the SCOPEs (Sustainable COmpliance Perceptions, or worker surveys). The SCOPEs The number of workers surveyed represent a valid statistical sample size - a higher number than traditional interviews. Most of the SCOPEs were performed in October and the first reports will arrive early November.
September 24th: Guangzhou, China - 3.0 Meeting with Supplier and FLA members
The equivalence of the meeting held in Thailand on August 30th will take place in China. This session welcomes brands and suppliers and will take the participants through the steps involved in the self-assessment, starting with the registration form, SCAT (assessment), SCOPE (worker survey) and getting the results. This will be a very good opportunity to ask questions. If you wish to participate (i.e. if you have suppliers that will start 3.0 in October) and haven't yet informed us, please contact Rika Dunder (rdunder@fairlabor.org) as soon as possible for more information. Places are limited...
During the month of September consultations were held in China and Thailand with Civil Society Organizations to get their input on the SCOPE (worker survey tool). FLA 3.0 is as you know a multi-stakeholder initiative and getting CSO input is important to us. This was a successful initiative - appreciated by the local organizations and some revisions to the tool were made.
Aug 30th: Bangkok, Thailand - 3.0 Meeting with Suppliers and FLA members
14 participants from FLA members and suppliers attended this "hands-on" meeting - offered by the FLA in order to answer all remaining questions before the official kick-off. A walk-through of the whole process was also given
Aug 14-16, Geneva Switzerland – Working Meeting
A 3.0 internal working meeting will be held in Geneva to clarify work plans, responsibilities and next steps. This meeting will help us bring together our collective experiences, share what we’ve learned and allow us to plan on using our resources in the best way possible for future work
July 13-14, Bangkok, Thailand -- Training
FLA international trainer Helena Perez held a training course on Dispute Management (Grievance Procedure) for one of our Participating Suppliers, as well as potential future service providers in Bangkok Thailand. This followed the Bangkok Foundation Course.
July 10-12, Bangkok, Thailand – Foundation Course
For the first time we had a group consisting of both member companies and member suppliers! This Foundation Course in Bangkok gave a whole new dimension to the exercises. Due to unforeseen events beyond the control of the FLA the number of participants was not ideal but everyone nevertheless was highly motivated and kept the trainers busy. A big thank you to Nice Apparel who hosted the course– bravo for the room, technical support and food!
June 26-28, Beaverton, United States – Foundation Course
Headquarters staff came to Nike’s Beaverton, Oregon campus to join a group of approximately 20 people from 14 FLA member companies for three days of intense training and exercises. Many questions were raised, discussions were lively and the participants engaged. Feedback from participants noted the extent of information that needed to be digested but also that participants came away with a better understanding of the process, the tools developed and next steps. We extend our appreciation to Nike and its staff for hosting such a fine event and for their great support.
June 25th, Beaverton, United States – Monitoring Committee
This Monitoring Committee meeting of the FLA Board included an update on the Soccer Project and discussion of possible next countries to implement 3.0. Suggestions included Central America (the whole region as a country) and Turkey. Comments from participants ranged from questions about FLA’s capacity to expand the program, to the increased external pressure to advance programs with an increased possibility of sustainable compliance. The proposal for the two countries was agreed to by the committee members. A decision will be made by the full FLA Board of Directors in October.