Glossary of important terms
Code of conduct
A code of conduct, in the context of CCC work, refers to a list
of labour standards. Those who sign on to codes pledge to adhere
to these standards in their workplaces. Some companies have
drafted their own codes (see the CCC's critique of company codes),
while the CCC and various trade unions and NGOs have drafted
model codes which they believe are more comprehensive.
Code implementation
As defined in the CCC model code,
this term refers to activities that should be undertaken by
the (buying) company to make sure that the standards set in
the code of conduct are being met. It includes making the code
part of the contract between the supplier and the buying company,
which in turn makes it part of the national legal framework.
Another part of the implementation is adapting the buying practices
so that the supplier is able to meet the standards outlined
in the code. For example, when an order is negotiated, buyers
should assess whether or not the supplier can comply with the
maximum hours of work provision in the code, given the order
size and delivery time that is negotiated. It is also important
that companies work towards long-term relationships with the
suppliers. To implement a code of conduct it must be integrated
into the company's management system and business practices,
especially with regard to profit margins, prices, and deadlines.
Monitoring
Monitoring is the term used to describe the activities
carried out to keep a close watch over implementation -- to
check that the code is consistently being complied with. One
of the main characteristics of monitoring is that it is a frequent
or continuous process. Frequent in this context means being
present in the work place often enough so as to be able to detect
variations in behavior or circumstances.
It is not sufficient to just send the code and assume that
that will be enough. Companies have to train their employees,
instruct their buyers, establish appropriate measures in cases
of violation of the code including accompanying measures. This
process is sometimes also called "internal monitoring"
or "company monitoring."
Independent monitoring
There is currently a lot of confusion about the use of
the term "independent monitoring". The term was originally
used in the CCC model code to describe
a process where an external or independent organization would
be in charge of overseeing that monitoring and implementation
happen as intended. This external body would include different
stakeholders, and guarantee access of workers and worker organizations.
Two different tracks of monitoring were distinguished. The
first track consists of checks to the supplier: checking records
and pay slips, pay unannounced visits, interview workers out
of hearing of management, etc. This kind of monitoring can be
done by the companies themselves, or external organizations.
Second track monitoring refers to the establishment of a complaints
systems, so that each time a code violation occurs, the workers
can report it. This is to guarantee direct involvement of organizations
at the local production level, and ultimately of the workers
themselves. In the national initiatives examined in this overview,
ideas are being developed on how to set up such a system, for
example with local contact points of organizations trusted by
the workers. Second track monitoring is sometimes also called
worker monitoring, in addition to the abovementioned company
monitoring.
In the Central American context the term independent monitoring
is used when an organization that is independent from all other
parties (companies, trade unions), for example a specialized
NGO, is doing the monitoring.
More and more people feel that monitoring, being a permanent
process, can never be independent. They prefer to use the term
"independent verification" to describe the whole process
of overseeing implementation and checking on the monitoring
process. As companies are increasingly seen as having a responsibility
to monitor compliance to the standards themselves, the term
independent is now used together with verification (especially
in native-english speaking contexts). Where we used to speak
of "independent monitoring" it would be in the current
state of the debate more correct to speak of "monitoring
and independent verification."
Verification
Verification implies the re-examination of the evidence
of labor practices in a particular work place in order to establish
that previously reported results are accurate. It involves the
activities carried out to ensure that both monitoring and implementation
take place as intended.
In the context of CCC initiatives, the term independent verification
is now most often used. This implies that a person or organization
(an independent body), independent from the work place being
examined, as well as from the authority that carries out the
implementation and original monitoring, carries out these activities.
For example, independent verification may refer to the re-examination
of the results of a certain factory audit by someone that enjoys
the confidence of all stakeholders as an independent, qualified,
and reliable authority. In the foundation model of the CCC,
the independent verification would be the task of a foundation
that operates as an independent body.
