Grievance Mechanisms
We regard grievance mechanisms as a key tool for preventing, managing, and remediating adverse impacts on employees, workers in our value chain, local communities, and other stakeholders. In accordance with the UN Effectiveness Criteria, we aim to address all grievances received, regardless of whether they stem from real or perceived issues and whether the complainant is identified or anonymous. The aim of our mechanisms is to offer a channel for identifying potential adverse impacts, resolving grievances, and, where we have caused or contributed to a negative impact, remedying the impact for rights holders. Reported grievances might be related to any human rights issue area we are committed to, such as discrimination or harassment, inadequate working or living conditions, nontransparent or unfair dismissal processes, any indications of human trafficking, forced labor or child labor, disturbance of local communities, among others. We acknowledge that this does not impede stakeholders’ rights to seek judicial or other remedies. All employees have access to all channels, either through our website or on site. Our Code of Conduct and Whistleblowing Directive include protection for our employees against retaliation. For more details on the Integrity Platform and protection of Whistleblowers, see G1 Business Conduct.
In October 2024, OMV launched a new SpeakUp Channel, which provides a process and tool for raising concerns regarding serious work-related misconduct, including discrimination, harassment, unequal employment opportunities, and any violations of work-related human rights (such as forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking), and having them addressed. It was established by OMV and is open to any internal or external stakeholder and as such is a common channel for our own workforce and value chain workers. OMV employees were informed about the new channel as part of an internal communication campaign, and we will launch communication activities addressing our business partners in 2025 to enhance accessibility for value chain workers. More information about the SpeakUp Channel will become available on the OMV website in 2025. For details on our general approach and processes for providing and supporting the availability of the SpeakUp Channel, our approach to tracking, monitoring, and ensuring its effectiveness, and how we assess whether employees in our own workforce are aware of and trust it, see S1 Own Workforce.