Closing the gaps between Minimum and Living Wages in the cut flowers supply chains

Abstract

This report is the result of desk research for the project 'Closing the gaps between Minimum and Living Wages in the Cut Flowers Supply Chains’. Phase 1 is the basis of the project, aiming to ensure a solid mapping, inventory and hence understanding of six
countries and players along the global supply chains of cut flowers. In Phase 2 the organisation of a webinar is planned with trade unions that explores, based on the mapping done, how to close the gaps between Minimum Wages and Living Wages along the supply chain of cut flowers. Topics and questions to be considered here will be: are Living Wages feasible in the cut flowers industry? What are the main barriers for implementation and what can be done to tackle them? Who should take the lead in closing the gaps?

The main aim of the project is to deepen insights in the cut flower sector or ‘floriculture’, more particular in wages, working conditions and workers’ representation in the global supply chains of cut flowers among all social partners (trade unions, employers’ associations, governmental representatives) and occupational groups, and, based on such insights, contribute to the resilience and sustainability of these chains. Crucial for the realisation of this aim is awareness of the importance of bridging the existing distances (gaps) between minimum wages and living wages in the main countries involved in the global supply chain.

It is vital to approach the goal, ensuring living wages throughout the supply chain on a scale as broad as possible, in an orchestrated and coordinated way that includes the relevant social partners and occupational groups. Such an approach is needed to minimise the risks of having companies compete on wages and contracts. In this regard, the actual and potential roles of trade unions in wage-setting will be important.