Elles van Ark, director of CNV International ‘Change begins with honest dialogue’

The dark side of nickel

Together with IUCN Netherlands and Profundo, CNV International researches the nickel supply chain. “Nearly sixty per cent of global nickel production, used in batteries, solar panels and wind turbines, comes from Indonesia,” Van Ark explains. “The research shows there is a high likelihood that European companies — either directly or indirectly — source nickel from this region.” During field visits, CNV International identified serious abuses, such as pollution and unsafe working conditions. “A recent survey by our Indonesian partner trade union revealed how poor workplace safety really is. Even they were shocked, and that says a lot.” The nickel supply chain research helps companies better understand their role. “The clearer the link, the more targeted the contribution to improvement,” she adds.

Training that works

CNV International also offers practical support within the Agreement. In March 2025, they hosted a two-day due diligence training session. In autumn an English version for international companies will follow. “We guide participants through the six steps of the OECD Guidelines,” says Van Ark. “We make it practical. After the training, companies often say: ‘Now I see what I can do today’. You do not need to wait for legislation. There are many steps you can take right now.”

International visibility

In May 2024, CNV International took part in the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris. Van Ark led a side session on meaningful stakeholder engagement: “The goal was to show what a multistakeholder approach can achieve. We sat alongside companies and governments. Using a case study based on our experiences from a collective project on occupational health and safety in mining in Peru and Bolivia — together with companies Tata Steel, Nyrstar, Trafigura and Minsur - we showed how collaboration with trade unions can lead to real improvements in the supply chain. If you move forward together, you can really make a difference even under the toughest conditions.”

Fair Work Monitor: giving workers a voice

One of CNV International’s most powerful tools is the Fair Work Monitor. It gathers work floor data via local unions. “We gather information on topics such as health, safety, income and contract types,” says Van Ark. “It provides a baseline: what is really going on?” What is unique about the tool is that workers themselves are consulted even in remote mining areas: “What they tell us forms the basis for an action plan. You don’t have to change everything at once, but it gives insight into the priorities.” The Monitor also fosters cooperation: “Many companies are willing but do not know where to start. This helps point the way.”

A call to action

Van Ark notes that CSR and procurement departments do not always coordinate effectively, yet that collaboration is crucial to truly making supply chains more sustainable. The Agreement offers space for this type of learning: “We learn what companies are up against, and they learn what we as a trade union can contribute. That mutual understanding is what drives change.” She hopes the coming year will mark a shift from exploration to implementation: “We have used the past period to explore. Now it is time to act. Use available tools, like the Fair Work Monitor. Test them. Share your experiences. Join existing projects or launch your own. Only then can we make a difference together.”

Building trust

Van Ark emphases the importance of social dialogue: “In some countries, it is unusual for trade unions and companies to engage with one another. Sometimes we even encounter distrust.” During a joint visit in Peru, van Ark was asked: ‘Are you on the side of the company, or ours?’ She explains: “That was an eye-opener. We are here for the workers, but we also seek collaboration with companies. Once you initiate a dialogue, you can build trust. And only together we can create a fair and sustainable supply chain.”

“We don’t just want to highlight problems,” Van Ark concludes. “We want to show this is what you can do starting today. Not everything is achievable but doing nothing is not an option.”