The Palm Oil Rights Observatory: Advancing labour rights in the palm oil sector

Palm Oil Observatory

CNV Internationaal has launched a new platform with Oxfam and RSPO, that is dedicated to improving labour rights in the palm oil sector in Honduras and Guatemala. The Palm Oil Rights Observatory will be used to promote the voice of the workers in the palm oil sector, by prioritizing a transparent collection and analysis of information.

The Palm Oil Rights Observatory is an important effort to increase transparency in the palm oil supply chains. Extensive analyses will be conducted to identify improvements in the sector, while all the involved actors will be stimulated to take responsibility for their actions. Additionally, the Observatory will also inform workers and communities about their rights and the RSPO principles and mechanisms.

Labour conditions in the palm oil industry

Around the world, millions of people work on palm oil plantations. These people are an indispensable workforce, but their fundamental labour rights are often not respected.

Most people that work on plantations do not earn a living wage, and many of the women do not have a permanent contract, which means that they do not have an income if they become pregnant or get sick.

As CNV Internationaal, together with our network of local unions we can set up social dialogue processes in the sector to improve the working conditions. We can make an impact if we work together, to realize a living wage and safe working conditions for all the workers on the plantation.