Independent investigations reveal serious labor issues at coffee farms in Yunnan Province, which supply major brands like Starbucks and Nestlé. The report from China Labor Watch and Coffee Watch highlights a troubling pattern of labor violations that remain hidden due to complex supply chains.
• Investigations involved interviews with 66 individuals, exposing low wages and unsafe working conditions.
• The report claims that larger coffee producers avoid direct contracts with smaller farms, leading to unrecorded abuses.
• Both Starbucks and Nestlé have been accused of failing to uphold their sustainability standards, despite their claims of rigorous audits.
• The piece-rate payment system is linked to various labor violations, including child labor and excessive working hours.
Understanding these labor violations is crucial as coffee consumption in China grows rapidly. With Yunnan producing nearly all of China’s coffee, it’s essential for companies to ensure ethical practices in their supply chains. The findings call for greater scrutiny and accountability from multinational coffee brands to protect vulnerable workers.
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