As part of this effort, CNV Internationaal has published two new reports examining labour conditions in 15 palm oil companies participating in the programme. The publications provide new insights into workers’ experiences, labour practices and the role of social dialogue in strengthening decent work across the sector.
Strengthening decent work through social dialogue
Within the SPLP, CNV Internationaal works to strengthen social dialogue between workers, employers and government institutions. Through support to trade unions, bipartite committees and gender committees, the programme seeks to improve working conditions, workplace safety, gender equality and respect for fundamental labour rights. At the same time, it contributes to broader landscape goals around sustainable production, forest protection and support for smallholder farmers.
Two new reports
The first report, The Fair Work Monitor 2026: results amongst palm oil workers on the plantation, Siak & Pelalawan, Indonesia, draws on interviews with 342 plantation and mill workers in Siak and Pelalawan and explores topics such as wages, job security, workplace safety and gender equality.
The second report, Labour Conditions in the Palm Oil Sector: A Data-Driven Policy Report, compares labour performance across 15 participating companies. Using indicators such as living wages, social dialogue, gender balance, health and safety, and employment security, the report examines how labour conditions vary between companies and identifies broader patterns across the sector.
Supporting a more inclusive palm oil sector
Together, the reports provide evidence to support constructive dialogue between workers, companies, government authorities and other stakeholders. By identifying both progress and remaining challenges, the research contributes to ongoing efforts to ensure that economic development, environmental sustainability and decent work go hand in hand throughout the palm oil supply chain.
