Perceived Utilization of Fairtrade Standards for Hired Labor (2014) at Oserian Flowers in Naivasha, Nakuru County

Abstract

Fairtrade standards for hired labour were developed to provide decent labour conditions, promote empowerment of workers, enhance social developments, promote environment sustainability and ensure fair business practices among its members. This study examined standards that focus on labour conditions and social development of workers. The standards are reviewed regularly to adapt to the dynamics of the working environments. The most current standards being Fairtrade standards for hired labour (2014). Members are required to fulfill the mandatory core principles and achieve a minimum threshold on the continuous development requirements for certification. This in turn helps them to access global markets. Oserian flowers is the first flower company to receive Fairtrade certification thus becoming a good case study on matters relating to Fairtrade standards. Just like the flower industry as a whole, the company has faced claims of providing poor working conditions, exploitation of workers and violation of human rights (Gardman 2008; Nyongesa 2014). The study therefore sought to examine how Fairtrade standards for hired labour (2014) have been utilized in relation to the above issues. The study adopted a descriptive research design and used questionnaires to collect data. Factor analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. The study established that Fairtrade standards are utilized in Oserian in six key areas; general labour conditions, working hours, discipline and grievance handling, health & safety, social development and freedom of association. Specifically the standard has led to improved health & safety of employees (mean of 3.6), reduced discrimination (mean of 3.94), ensured that promotions are merit based (mean of 3.84), enhanced unionism in the farm (mean of 3.88). Further, the standards have influenced the use of discipline and grievance procedures, improvement of quality of working life of Oserian workers, ensured wages are in accordance with the CBA, workers are not denied leave and implementation sexual harassment policy. However, there was a general feeling that the standards have not been able to ensure better terms of employment and wages at Oserian. Specifically, job security and low wages was found to be an issue at Oserian despite Fairtrade certification. The major limitation of the study was the use of quantitative research method where data collection was limited in terms of information obtained from the respondents. The study recommends use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in future studies in order to get in -depth responses. The study recommends that Oserian implements the provision of the Fairtrade standards for hired labour (2014) in totality in order to improve employees’ labour conditions.