Third Place: Fairness in Flowers Campaign

Lead Group(s):

International Labor Rights Fund (ILRF)

 

 

 

Photo taken for ILRF by an anonymous Ecuadorian flower worker.
It shows fumigation of toxic chemicals happening
while other workers are still present in the greenhouse.
All non-protected workers should be evacuated before spraying occurs.

 

 

Description of the Problem the Campaign is seeking to address (50 word max):

Most of the roses and carnations sold in the US are imported from Colombia and Ecuador. Flower workers in these countries routinely experience serious labor rights violations, including repression of organizing efforts; illegal pregnancy testing during recruitment; sexual harassment and abuse; and occupational illnesses due to exposure to toxic pesticides.

Brief Description of the Achievement(s) (30 word max):

The Campaign persuaded the VeriFlora flower certification program to provide much stronger guarantees for freedom of association, worker safety, and non-discrimination. Also gained significant visibility in Congress and the press.

Description of how this is an important step toward the Campaign's goals, and if applicable, how it shows innovation (150 word max):

As a result of the Campaigns input and persistence through a two-year dialogue with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), SCSs VeriFlora certification program now provides much stronger guarantees for flower workers who face serious labor rights violations on a daily basis. In spring 2007, SCS announced the release of the new standard and recognized our key role.

We have also generated increased press and Congressional interest in labor and health violations in this industry. For Valentines Day 2007, the Campaign was featured on Democracy Now and in several major newspapers. We also arranged for a Colombian flower worker to give testimony at a Senate hearing and a Hill briefing, and to share her firsthand experience in the industry with students, unions, and NGOs. With this increased visibility, we can work to marshal support from consumers and Members of Congress to support buying practices and trade policies that promote flower workers rights.