Côte d’Ivoire’s banana industry takes steps towards fair wages and worker rights

COTE D’IVOIRE – Key stakeholders gathered in Côte d’Ivoire from September 24 to 26, 2024, in a landmark event to discuss labor conditions and fair wages in the banana industry, a sector that plays a vital role in the country’s economy.

The event brought together representatives from all corners of the supply chain, including workers’ unions (FETBACI, JUF), producers (OBAMCI, OCAB), European retailers (Lidl France, Tesco UK), and both Ivorian and international public authorities. This collaborative approach aimed to address labor concerns while ensuring the sector’s sustainability.

“This gathering marked a major turning point for the Ivorian banana sector,” said a representative from OBAMCI. “We’ve committed to working together to improve working conditions for everyone involved.”

The initiative aligns with recent global trends, including the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and an International Labour Organization (ILO) decision regarding living wages.

These policies have provided a framework for transforming legal obligations into opportunities for industry-wide collaboration.

Two key outcomes emerged from the event. First, the signing of an operating charter for the Joint Working Group, tasked with negotiating a branch agreement for the banana sector within two years.

This agreement is seen as a major step in promoting social dialogue between workers and employers.

Second, a declaration of intent was launched, creating a framework for cooperation between different parts of the banana supply chain.

This collaboration focuses on ensuring fair wages, decent working conditions, and a shared responsibility for addressing social and economic challenges.

“These agreements are crucial for the future of our industry,” stated a participant from FETBACI. “We must work together to ensure decent pay and a better quality of life for all workers.”

The event featured several speeches from government representatives. Guy Serge Ekpo, Director General of Labor Regulations, spoke on behalf of the Minister of Employment, expressing the government’s full support for these initiatives.

“Creating decent working conditions in the banana industry is essential,” he said, “and our determination will bring lasting change.”

Rodrigue N’Guessan, Director General of Rural Development, also praised the sector’s efforts, emphasizing that sustainable agricultural practices are key to the industry’s success.

Côte d’Ivoire remains the largest banana exporter in Africa and a significant player in the global market. In 2023 alone, the country exported over 300,000 tonnes of bananas, with key European markets such as France, Belgium, and the UK receiving large shipments.

Looking forward, the banana sector is projected to produce over 2.1 million tonnes in 2024. The focus on improving labor conditions aims to strengthen this production while ensuring that workers are paid fairly.

An industry roadmap has already been approved, setting a target for closing the gap between workers’ wages and living wages by 2026.

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