In the quest to bridge the gap between minimum and living wages in the global cut flowers supply chains, a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 2014-2022 has been unveiled. The study, titled “Closing the Gaps between Minimum and Living Wages in the Cut Flowers Supply Chains,” authored by Maarten van Klaveren and Kea Tijdens of the Wagelndicateor Foundation in October 2022, presents a wealth of insights into this pressing issue.
The report is underpinned by a diverse array of data sources, as detailed in the accompanying tooltips (accessible when hovering over individual roses in the visual representation). This variety arises from the fact that the Statutory Minimum Wage cannot consistently serve as the primary reference point. In cases such as Ethiopia, where statutory minimum wages are non-existent, or in regions like Uganda, where current minimum wage rates are considered outdated, average actual wages are adopted as the basis for assessment. Consequently, the report offers a nuanced presentation of wage gaps within a range, with the most substantial gaps represented by orange roses and the most modest by green roses.
One significant trend that emerges from this comprehensive analysis is a noticeable increase in wage gaps over time in several African countries. This worrisome development points to a growing disparity between minimum and living wages in the African continent, which poses significant challenges for the well-being of workers within the cut flower industry.
Moreover, delving into the latest available data for the year 2023, a stark contrast emerges between Latin American countries and African nations. In Latin America, the wage gap hovers at around 40%, illustrating that there is still substantial ground to cover in the pursuit of living wages. In stark contrast, African countries face a far more daunting scenario, with wage gaps that range from six to eight times the prescribed minimum wage. This glaring disparity underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and equitable wage reforms within the African flower-producing regions.
In essence, the “Closing the Gaps between Minimum and Living Wages in the Cut Flowers Supply Chains” report sheds light on the challenges faced by flower-producing nations across the globe and provides a compelling case for addressing the wage disparities that persist in these vital industries. It underscores the importance of bridging these gaps to ensure fair and dignified livelihoods for the workforce while maintaining the sustainability and ethical integrity of the cut flower sector.
