Impacts of environmental and social certifications for flower production in Ecuador

Ecuador is the third largest producer of flowers in the world. However, flower production is an intensive user of pesticides and commonly provides inadequate working conditions for its employees. To address these issues, voluntary environmental and social certifications have been developed from flower consumer countries. Certifications are represented by “Green Labels” that claim to ensure, through voluntary guidelines, the protection of workers and consumers around the world. This study examined the impacts of these “Green Labels” on the working conditions of Ecuadorian flower plantation workers. A survey study was designed and a total of 72 workers were recruited from certified and non certified flower plantations in Ecuador. Workers were asked about working conditions in their plantations including some items that comprise the green label certification guidelines. Secondary information was also collected. Results showed that working conditions in certified “Green label” plantations do not differ greatly from non-certified plantations. In addition, despite the ILO Convention regarding Freedom of Association that is part of the certification guidelines, the study found that only 2 out of 52 of the “certified” plantations had a union. The two certified plantations that had unions have better working conditions, as reflected in the questionnaire responses and the collective bargaining agreements. This study suggests that in order to protect workers and consumers, the voluntary “Green Label” system is inadequate and that in addition to greater transparency, a tripartite dialogue between workers, the government and the flower companies is needed, along with stronger governmental regulation of this industry.