ILO: Policy guidelines for the promotion of decent work in the agri-food sector adopted

Between 8 to 12 May 2023, a group of more than a hundred experts representing workers, governments, and employers worldwide met in Geneva to discuss decent work in the agri-food sector.
On 12 May, the ILO sector guidelines were adopted.
The Guidelines sets out common principles and the policy framework that should guide action to achieve decent work in the agri-food sector.

This document guides ILO constituents and other stakeholders engaged in the design and implementation of policies and measures on decent work in the agri-food sector as an essential part of efforts aimed at building sustainable food systems.

The Guidelines cover the four pillars of the Decent Work Agenda. It focuses on the rights at work, decent jobs, productive employment in the agri-food sector, social and labour protection, and social dialogue and tripartite.

The document recognises the need for an integrated and coordinated approach at various levels (international, national, sectoral, local, and corporate) and the involvement of a wide range of actors. It calls on governments to adopt, implement and enforce national laws and regulations and ensure their application to all workers. Correspondingly, it requires enterprises to respect human rights, including fundamental principles and rights at work, throughout their operations. Employers have the responsibility to comply with national laws and regulations wherever they operate, promoting responsible business conduct with the support of employers organisations. Finally, it compels workers’ organisations to raise social awareness about rights and develop resources and capacity to support workers.

Workers in the agri-food sector need to be properly covered by labour and social security legislation, due to the cyclical nature of their work, the high informality of the sector, or the lack of regulation in rural workplaces. It results in the need for improved legal infrastructure, promoting the effective enforcement of national labour laws that incorporate international labour standards.

The Guidelines emphasise that the agri-food sector, can be an important driver of decent work and sustainable enterprise development. A socially, environmentally and economically sustainable agri-food sector with full, productive and freely chosen employment and decent work at its core is essential for eradicating poverty, tackling inequalities and ending global hunger. Therefore, a favourable business environment, which supports investment and contributes to developing competitive and dynamic economic sectors, can increase productivity and business prosperity, and contribute to social justice.