In a significant step towards improving the working conditions and livelihoods of millions of individuals employed in the agri-food sector, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at promoting decent work practices. The guidelines, titled “Decent Work in the Agri-food Sector: A Roadmap,” offer a holistic framework that addresses the various challenges faced by workers in this crucial sector while also considering the sustainability of food production systems.
The agri-food sector plays an indispensable role in global food security and supply chains. However, it is often plagued by issues such as inadequate wages, poor working conditions, lack of access to social protection, and limited bargaining power for workers. The ILO’s new guidelines acknowledge these challenges and provide a roadmap for governments, employers, workers, and other stakeholders to collaborate in creating a more equitable and sustainable work environment.
Key highlights of the guidelines include:
- Labor Rights and Social Protection: The guidelines stress the importance of recognizing and upholding the fundamental labor rights of agricultural workers, including freedom of association and collective bargaining. They emphasize the need to extend social protection coverage to these workers, ensuring access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and income support.
- Fair Remuneration: The guidelines call for the establishment of fair and transparent remuneration systems that provide workers with wages commensurate to their labor. This includes addressing issues of unequal pay, wage theft, and the gender pay gap within the sector.
- Health and Safety: Given the physically demanding nature of agricultural work, the guidelines emphasize the importance of providing a safe and healthy working environment. This involves measures to prevent occupational hazards, provide proper training, and ensure access to healthcare facilities.
- Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination: Recognizing the prevalent gender disparities within the agri-food sector, the guidelines underscore the need for equal opportunities for all workers, regardless of gender or other forms of identity. This includes measures to address gender-based violence, promote women’s leadership, and ensure equal access to resources.
- Capacity Building and Skills Development: The guidelines emphasize the significance of investing in the skills development of agricultural workers. This includes training programs that enhance their productivity, expand their opportunities for decent work, and enable them to adapt to changing technologies and practices.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The guidelines also take into account the environmental sustainability of the agri-food sector. They encourage the adoption of practices that minimize the sector’s ecological footprint, promote conservation of natural resources, and contribute to rural development.
- Multi-stakeholder Collaboration: To ensure the effective implementation of the guidelines, the ILO stresses the importance of collaboration between governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders. This includes policy dialogue, sharing of best practices, and monitoring progress.
The launch of these guidelines marks a pivotal moment in the global effort to improve conditions for agri-food workers and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By aligning policies and actions with these principles, countries can foster an environment where agriculture becomes not only a source of livelihood but also a dignified and respected profession. As the world faces ongoing challenges related to food security, climate change, and labor rights, the ILO’s new guidelines provide a comprehensive roadmap towards a more equitable and sustainable agri-food sector.