Deep-dive: Decent Working Conditions

Doing safe work for fair pay. That's where it all begins. Unfortunately, many sectors lack good working conditions. Dangerous, unhealthy, and underpaid work is common in the textile, mining, and agricultural sectors. But it's also prevalent in other sectors. Poor working conditions exist everywhere, even in Europe. Certain groups, such as women, migrants, and seasonal workers, are more likely to experience poor working conditions.

Defining what good working conditions are is not easy. However, there are clear agreements on what should absolutely not occur. These international agreements are made within the International Labour Organization (ILO). Some of these agreements, the fundamental conventions, form the minimum basis for good working conditions."

• Prohibition and elimination of forced labour (Convention No. 29).
• Freedom to organise as workers, for example, in unions (Convention No. 87).
• The right to collectively bargain over working conditions (Convention No. 98).
• The right to equal remuneration (Convention No. 100).
• Prohibition of discrimination on any grounds, such as religion or sexual orientation (Convention No. 111).
• Respecting the minimum age and preventing child labour (Convention No. 138).
• Prohibition of the worst forms of child labour (Conventions No. 138 and 182).
• Ensuring the safety and health of employees (Convention No. 155).
• Preventing violence and harassment in the workplace (Convention No. 190).

Most countries around the world have endorsed these conventions. But that doesn't mean that everything is going well everywhere in the world. When companies adhere to the fundamental conventions, there is a good foundation.

Most ILO conventions are quite old. By now, many brands and companies have a more ambitious vision for working conditions, such as towards living wages. Additionally, companies worldwide can assist their employees by:

• Contributing to employee education.
• Paying a living wage (see the module on living wages).
• Providing medical facilities for employees.
• Collaborating with employee organisations, such as unions, to improve working conditions.
• Contributing to or providing healthy food and housing for employees.
• Providing education for the children of employees.
• Hiring and training local staff where possible.
• Communicating openly with staff in a language they understand.
• Not demanding excessively long working hours from employees (Convention No. 1).

There are many factors to consider. However, every company with employees has plenty of experience in this area. It's beneficial to think about the conditions of employees further in the supply chain.