Multi-stakeholder dialogue strengthens joint commitments to promote decent work in the coffee sector.

Supply chains

Governments, businesses and cooperatives share practices to protect workers in the coffee supply chain

28 May 2025

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LIMA (ILO News) – On 28 May 2025, the Vision Zero Fund and the ILO's Responsible Business Conduct in Latin America and the Caribbean (RBCLAC) project jointly organized a virtual seminar on due diligence in occupational safety and health (OSH) within the global coffee supply chain.

As coffee sustainability gains traction in international markets, the event highlighted that applying OSH due diligence not only mitigates risks and upholds human rights but also strengthens commercial relationships. Over 100 participants from around the world attended to learn about concrete initiatives underway in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Uganda.

Brazil

The Ministry of Labour presented its national labour inspection strategy to prevent OSH risks ahead of the harvest season. It also showcased the development of digital self-assessment tools tailored to the size of businesses in the coffee sector.

Colombia

The National Federation of Coffee Growers shared efforts to extend social security coverage to seasonal workers, promote fair wages in the primary stages of the coffee chain, and build partnerships with multinational companies to support women coffee farmers and raise awareness of child labour.

Costa Rica

The Coffee Institute (COFFEEI) presented a digital tool that maps farms based on sustainability, human rights and zero deforestation criteria. According to the Institute, these efforts have helped build trust among European buyers and increase exports to that continent.

Uganda

The National Union of Cooperative Movement and Allied Workers (NUCCAAW) highlighted the importance of community work in rural areas. In addition to providing technical training, they promote sports activities to foster dialogue between exporters and cooperatives about OSH conditions in the coffee supply chain.

The initiatives shared align with the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and provide concrete examples of how to implement responsible business conduct in diverse contexts through a multi-stakeholder approach.