Strengthening effective grievance mechanisms in Myanmar: social dialogue at the factory level

Strengthening effective grievance mechanisms in Myanmar: social dialogue at the factory level

On 29th and 30th May, 2025, the EU-funded MADE project conducted its latest workshop on “Social Dialogue and Effective Grievance Mechanisms”, as part of the project’s ongoing efforts to promote decent work and ethical labour practices in the country’s manufacturing sector. Organised in partnership with trainers from SDM – Synergetic Dream & Management, a local consultancy and training specialist, the sessions (employee and employer) brought together 62 participants from the factories to introduce social dialogue at the workplace, the model of social dialogue and workplace coordination committees (WCCs) and the role of WCCs which can comply with the local laws.

This workshop contains modules on the WCC election process, equipping participants with practical tools to communicate effectively and helping them understand the procedures of election processes in a garment factory. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, interactive roleplay and practical group exercises, participants develop negotiation skills, consultation abilities, problem solving skills and share information on effective practices. They learn about how to record grievances systematically and also processes for reporting back to the workers after the WCC meetings on what steps have been taken. One participant remarked, “I got to learn useful things that I can implement in our workplace from this training. This workshop brings me learning with a practical approach, the lectures and exercise were effective. I also learned some useful tips for conflict resolution.”

Since launching this particular workshop series in 2023, the MADE in Myanmar project has trained 539 unique participants with this module from 97 factories, with women representing 74% of all attendees. Beyond just training, the project has directly supported the remediation of Grievances in 421 documented cases at 108 factories, between 2023 and 2025. These efforts have been carried out in collaboration with 31 MADE members brands and their 167 factories.

As with most MADE workshops, focus was given to facilitating peer learning, allowing factory representatives to share challenges and practical solutions. Many participants expressed commitment to apply new tools and knowledge in their daily operations, particularly around systematic grievance collection and transparent relay of information to the workforce.

 

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