SpeakUp Channel
We regard grievance mechanisms as a key tool for preventing, managing, and remediating adverse impacts on our own workforce 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. Where we have caused or contributed to a material negative impact, we are committed to providing or contributing to the provision of adequate remediation. The channels available for registering work-related grievances include local reporting mechanisms at Company level and our online SpeakUp Channel. All of these channels are established and managed by OMV.
The SpeakUp Channel provides our own workforce and other stakeholders with a secure platform to confidentially and, if necessary, anonymously share information about any potential work-related misconduct they have perceived or observed. It is part of our Whistleblowing Integrity Platform, but managed independently by the P&C function. The P&C function is responsible for operating the SpeakUp Channel and managing communication on workplace-related grievances with reporters through the associated IT tool. Trained P&C personnel oversee the grievance handling process, ensuring that all complaints are treated consistently and fairly using the following process: an initial pre-screening to prioritize cases, assignment, planning, internal investigation, appropriate resolution actions, clear communication of outcomes, follow-up to ensure effective implementation (where necessary), and documentation following closing. We provide comprehensive training to employees involved in overseeing and supporting the grievance handling process. All our employees and management are informed about the availability of these channels through our internal communication tools, emphasizing the importance of using grievance channels and maintaining open communication. Our intranet and internet pages contain detailed information on the functioning, processes, and purposes of grievance handling, which helps to manage expectations and ensure proper reporting. OMV evaluates the effectiveness of the remedies provided by gathering feedback from employees, tracking the time taken to resolve issues, and assessing whether similar problems arise again. To prevent recurrence, OMV ensures that implemented measures are continuously monitored and improved as necessary. For example, spot checks and internal audits are conducted to identify the effectiveness of the measure and any gaps or areas for improvement.
To ensure that our workforce can trust this channel as a means for raising their concerns, we are also working on implementing effective feedback mechanisms, such as making SpeakUp Channel topics a regular agenda item at meetings with the Works Council and conducting feedback sessions with case managers and administrators. Provisions to ensure protection against retaliation for individuals reporting work-related misconduct are stipulated in our Code of Conduct, our P&C Ethics Policy, and our P&C Misconduct Reporting Procedure. These provisions specifically protect employees from experiencing negative consequences related to their professional advancement, further training, income, or other professional development opportunities, such as dismissal, demotion, denial of promotion, negative performance appraisals, or disciplinary actions for reports made in good faith. In addition to our SpeakUp Channel, we offer various other local channels at company level, such as employee hotlines and designated contact persons depending on the issue at hand (e.g., People & Culture, Compliance, or HSSE representatives, PetrOmbudsman). Many of our companies have established employee representation bodies like works councils, which offer further support in the event of grievances.