Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), a major pulp and paper producer in Asia, tackled the challenge of providing third-party workers with equal access to effective grievance mechanisms. With thousands of contractors and temporary workers across its operations, APP developed a formal framework for handling grievances – ensuring anonymous access, rights awareness, and fair resolution.
Through multiple reporting channels, including an Integrity Call Centre, workers could safely voice concerns to APP. APP also rolled out awareness training and clear procedures, leading to measurable results: the average resolution time for complaints dropped from 120 days in 2019 to 70 days by 2023. The approach ensures non-retaliation, fosters transparency, and continuously improves worker conditions and supplier compliance. APP’s case demonstrates how integrating third-party workers into grievance systems can mitigate worker risks while reinforcing ethical and inclusive operations.
Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) is headquartered in Indonesia with major operations across Asia. It employs thousands of third-party workers—including contractors and temporary labour—across its Forest Management Units (FMUs) and manufacturing sites. These workers play a critical role in operations but were historically underserved by grievance mechanisms.
APP identified that many third-party workers were unfamiliar with or unable to access formal grievance systems. The lack of awareness, language accessibility, and fear of retaliation discouraged reporting. Additionally, lengthy complaint resolution times weakened trust and effectiveness.
To address this, APP:
More information about APP’s process is available here and here.