This page presents all relevant good practice case studies that showcase how business have addressed the Housing dilemma. Case studies have been developed in close collaboration with a range of multi-national companies and relevant government, inter-governmental and civil society stakeholders. We also draw on public domain sources, including the UN Global Compact's own published Communications on Progress through which signatories are required to report on their performance against the Ten Principles.
The case studies explore the specific dilemmas and challenges faced by each organisation, good practice actions they have taken to resolve them and the results of such action. We reference challenges as well as achievements and invite you to submit commentary and suggestions through the Forum.
Pentland: report commissioned on factory dormitories in South China - China
In 2002, apparel and footwear company Pentland commissioned a research report on factory dormitories in South China in consultation with the Institute of Contemporary Observation in Shenzhen. The aim was to address key issues, assist in the development of ethical codes of conduct, and recommend best practice. One of the key findings was that there are few legislative guidelines other than buildings legislation (local authority authorization, architectural plans, building inspections, fire inspection etc) and the prohibition of ‘three in one’ buildings which house the workshop, warehouse and dormitories. In the Shenzhen Labour Management Ordinance, it is stipulated, for example, that each worker should have a living space of no less than two square meters. Other trens included: the changing needs needs of workers who marry and start families. Some factories have begun to organize married quarters. Some factories have facilities for children and have arranged local schooling; Involvement of workers in dormitory management; Workers after a few years wish to be more independent and factories sometimes give an allowance to allow them to rent rooms locally.
Jones Apparel: Amending Standards for Contractors and Suppliers - Global
Over a decade ago, the Jones Apparel Group launched its Standards for Contractors and Suppliers. In 2009, the Group included housing issues into its health and safety requirements for all contractors and suppliers. The Group has hired Compliance Specialists in Egypt and Jordan to oversee working conditions in its supply chain and to ensure that housing meets the company Standard. In order to ensure adequate housing for workers, the Compliance Specialists ensure that housing is regularly cleaned and that employees are aware of rules and regulations on safety issues. Workers receive training on safety issues for both the workplace and housing.
Antea: Implementing EBRD/IFC housing standards among contractors - Albania
Antea, a Greek client of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and a subsidiary of Titan Cement Co, has contracted out the construction of a cement factory in Albania to a Chinese contractor. The construction involves bringing in 700 migrant workers and housing them in workers’ accommodation. As part of the contract with the construction company, Antea has included a Code of Conduct and specific language referring to compliance with national labour law, ILO Conventions and IFC Performance Standard 2 (PS2, which aims to promote “safe and healthy working conditions, and to protect and promote the health of workers”). It has developed a supervision and monitoring plan (including safety and labour audits) to ensure the construction company is in compliance with all requirements stated in PS2, that living conditions in particular comply with the guidance provided by the EBRD/IFC and that all conditions enhance a safe and good working and living environment. Safety training courses and integration of best practices in accident prevention have been instigated, while solid waste and wastewater generated in the camp is managed in accordance with Albanian regulations and IFC/EBRD guidelines.
Nike: Implementing grievance and remedial mechanisms – Malaysia
In July 2008, an Australian TV news report alleged that dormitories at Hytex, a supplier to Nike, suffered from overcrowding and unhygienic toilets and poor kitchen facilities. Migrants from Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Vietnam and Myanmar were found to be living in the dormitories and endured other abuses, including deductions from wages and the withholding of identity papers. The report stated that workers from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam, were housed in dormitories with overcrowded sleeping quarters, unhygienic toilet facilities and poor kitchen sanitation. Nike met with factory management to evaluate the allegations and found serious breaches of its code of conduct. It implemented corrective actions which included improving dormitory conditions and transferring migrants to newly completed and inspected apartments. Nike also provided workers the phone number of its local compliance team if they experienced further difficulties.
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Maplecroft in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact
