Ergon focus on labour: March 2007

This edition of Ergon’s bi-monthly newsletter looks in detail at the array of current initiatives addressing sustainability issues for agricultural commodities. The newsletter also explores the problems in defining forced labour with reference to the issue of forced overtime as well as an analysis of whether labour standards auditing is in crisis.

Addressing labour standards in agriculture commodities focuses on the difficulties of addressing labour standards in the agriculture sector where suppliers often rely on smallholders. The article argues that the implementation of any standard or initiative to address and improve living and working conditions must first recognise that there are fundamental differences between the issues relevant to plantation workers and those relevant to smallholder farmers. The article also provides a listing of current labour standards initiatives in the agriculture sector.

Is ethical auditing in crisis? highlights how social audits are often ineffective at identifying many of the most serious labour problems. The article discusses emerging initiatives to improve accountability such a local multi-stakeholder monitoring as well as building the capacity of suppliers. To improve auditing, the article suggests having audits undertaken by local teams, involving workers more effectively in terms of interviews and sharing results with the company and its employees. There is also clear preference for in-house audits as opposed to third-party audits and a need to improve the professional standards of auditors.

Forced labour: a growing problem or an expanding concept? discusses the expanding definition of forced labour and the challenges this presents for the implementation of labour codes. The article explores in detail the definition of forced labour and issues such as forced overtime and worker penalties and discrimination.