NOGALES, AZ—Produce companies who want to demonstrate their commitment to treating workers well will find many peers who have endorsed the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices.
Produce Marketing Association CEO Cathy Burns talked about how the charter came about and how companies can get involved in it at the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas annual meeting Nov. 2.
She says PMA plans to host a webinar on Dec. 4 that will give case studies from companies who have endorsed the charter, which was formally adopted in January.
Burns said the idea came from both the PMA and United Fresh Produce Association’s boards several years ago, so the two started a committee evenly represented from supply and buy sides. The committee drafted a framework for standards, practices and the commitment to treat workers with dignity and respect.
“It’s not United’s charter. It’s not PMA’s charter. It’s the industry’s charter,” she says. “We need to hold the weak players accountable.”
The charter features:
a measurement criteria document, which explains how to implement practices;
guidelines for buyers to exercise responsible purchasing practices; and
an employer self-assessment tool.
“My sense is these are things you’re doing already,” Burns says. “Let’s start to get some credit for it.”
According to the charter’s website, it is based on a foundation of employment law, good management systems and sound occupational safety and health practices and covers the following areas:
Respect for Laws at Work: Legal compliance; occupational safety and health; wages and benefits; and working hours;
Respect for Professional Conduct: Communication and worker protections; ethical recruitment; responsible purchasing practices; management systems and continuous improvement;
Respect for Human Rights: Employment is freely chosen; freedom of association; humane treatment and non-harassment; non-discrimination; and protection of children and young workers.
NOGALES, AZ—Produce companies who want to demonstrate their commitment to treating workers well will find many peers who have endorsed the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices.
Produce Marketing Association CEO Cathy Burns talked about how the charter came about and how companies can get involved in it at the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas annual meeting Nov. 2.
She says PMA plans to host a webinar on Dec. 4 that will give case studies from companies who have endorsed the charter, which was formally adopted in January.
Burns said the idea came from both the PMA and United Fresh Produce Association’s boards several years ago, so the two started a committee evenly represented from supply and buy sides. The committee drafted a framework for standards, practices and the commitment to treat workers with dignity and respect.
“It’s not United’s charter. It’s not PMA’s charter. It’s the industry’s charter,” she says. “We need to hold the weak players accountable.”
The charter features:
a measurement criteria document, which explains how to implement practices;
guidelines for buyers to exercise responsible purchasing practices; and
an employer self-assessment tool.
“My sense is these are things you’re doing already,” Burns says. “Let’s start to get some credit for it.”
According to the charter’s website, it is based on a foundation of employment law, good management systems and sound occupational safety and health practices and covers the following areas:
Respect for Laws at Work: Legal compliance; occupational safety and health; wages and benefits; and working hours;
Respect for Professional Conduct: Communication and worker protections; ethical recruitment; responsible purchasing practices; management systems and continuous improvement;
Respect for Human Rights: Employment is freely chosen; freedom of association; humane treatment and non-harassment; non-discrimination; and protection of children and young workers.
Greg Johnson is Director of Media Development for Blue Book Services Inc.
