See also the FWF complaints procedure.

When a complaint is filed by a factory worker, manager or local trade unionist or NGO worker, FWF informs the affiliate(s) sourcing from the factory in question and investigates the complaint.

Once the investigation is complete, the affiliate is asked to formulate a response and the report, the response and FWF's verification plan are published.

Once the entire procedure is closed and the verification process concluded, the final report is also published.

In 2008, seven complaints were received.

There were six complaints in China, of which three were deemed admissible.

• April 2008: supplier of Expresso Fashion
• April 2008: supplier of Mexx Europroduction
• May 2008: supplier of Mexx Europroduction and McGregor Fashion Group

One factory paid wages much later than is required by law, there was excessive overtime and wage slips were unclear or not handed out at all. While management at first denied, extra research showed the complaint to be justified. Management then admitted the problem and the FWF affiliate concerned hired a consultant to guide the factory in the remediation process. Verification by FWF is pending.

Also in China, two complaints were filed about the same factory. One concerning late payment, which was paid two days after the complaint was filed. The second complaint was more complex: the factory was not allowing workers to resign, withholding payment if they did. Wages were far below the legal minimum, let alone the living wage and (unpaid) overtime was excessive. The food in the canteen - where workers were forced to eat - was bad.

The two FWF affiliates sourcing from this factory were informed of the complaint. As together they are buying around 95% of the factory's production capacity, they are able to apply considerable pressure on the management. The two companies are currently working on addressing the problems and verification by FWF is pending.

In Turkey, there was a complaint concerning failure to register workers for social security (required by law). The complaint was deemed admissible. The FWF affiliate sourcing from the factory in question has incorporated the complaint in the current corrective action plan. Verification by FWF is pending.

• April 2008: supplier of McGregor Fashion group