Complaints Mechanism
The Book Chain Project Complaints Mechanism is a confidential procedure that allows any person, group or organisation to report violations of our Code of Conduct in facilities that are manufacturing for participating publishers. It is designed to provide effective access to remedy for workers in the publishing sector.
This complaints mechanism is a last resort or back-up mechanism if a supplier’s own internal complaints or grievance mechanisms are not available or fully functional. The Book Chain Project Complaints Mechanism is not designed to undermine or replace existing mechanisms for remedy and is simply an added precaution if other systems have not worked effectively.
What sort of issues can be raised?
The Book Chain Project has a publicly available Code of Conduct, agreed jointly by all participating publishers. It sets a baseline standard for working conditions and labour standards at supplier sites that take part in the Book Chain Project or are used by participating publishers. The Code of Conduct includes the following elements:
- Employment is freely chosen
- Child labour is prohibited
- Employment relationships are clearly documented
- The workplace is free from discrimination, harassment and abuse
- Work is fairly compensated
- Working hours are reasonable
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining is respected
- The workplace is safe and hygienic
The complaints mechanism is open to suppliers that participating publishers are currently sourcing from or have done in the last 120 days. Complaints must be related to the Book Chain Project Code of Conduct only.
What is the Complaints Mechanism process?
- Complaint raised
- BCP team review admissability
- Relevant publishers informed
- Relevant supplier party informed (by BCP if shared supplier)
- Investigation funded by publishers
- Remediation plan developed & approved by BCP
- Remediation plan shared with supplier party
- Complainant informed on remediation plan
- Remediation carried out
- Remediation verified by BCP
- Final review with complainant
- Complaint closed
Raise a complaint
Please log your complaint below. It will immediately be sent to the Book Chain Project team for review.