ILO Works with Nestlé on Two-Year Initiative to Strengthen Labor Rights and Fair Recruitment Practices Across Coffee Supply Chains – CoffeeTalk

Nestlé and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are amplifying their collaboration through a new two-year initiative focused on enhancing labour rights and fostering fair recruitment practices within coffee supply chains in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Titled “From fair recruitment to worker protection in coffee supply chains,” the initiative aims to build more sustainable and resilient sourcing networks by tackling labour-related risks, particularly for seasonal and migrant workers who are often marginalized in these supply chains.

The ILO, playing a crucial standard-setting role, will engage in dialogue among governments, employers, and workers’ organizations to evaluate labour challenges and create tailored interventions at the country level. These strategic interventions will not only promote fair recruitment practices but also generate valuable insights aimed at knowledge-sharing within the global coffee sector.

Dan Rees, Director of the ILO’s Priority Action Programme on Decent Work in Supply Chains, noted that this project seeks to improve sustainability by resolving longstanding labour issues that affect approximately 20–25 million families dependent on coffee production for their livelihood. He emphasized that this initiative intends to advance labour rights and foster decent work, ultimately contributing to the creation of more sustainable supply chains.

Antje Shaw, Head of Sustainability for Coffee at Nestlé, affirmed that this partnership supports Nestlé’s overarching sustainability goals for coffee sourcing and aims to cultivate more resilient, inclusive value chains. The collaboration signifies a major advancement in promoting human rights within coffee supply chains, as both organizations strive to ensure workers are treated with dignity.

Furthermore, the initiative is underpinned by the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé’s global sustainability program, and will complement the ILO’s Fair Recruitment Initiative and its Safety + Health for All flagship programme, including the Vision Zero Fund intended for securing safe and healthy working conditions in supply chains. As the food and beverage sector increasingly emphasizes sustainability, this initiative underscores the critical importance of labour rights in establishing responsible and resilient supply chain management.

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