Aldi UK is partnering with the Fairtrade Foundation on the next stage of a £400,000 program to empower women in the Ethiopian flower sector, with a view to tackling some of the systemic challenges they face.
Aldi is the second largest retailer of Fairtrade flowers in the UK, and in 2022 the supermarket sourced 2.7 million Fairtrade bouquets, raising over £160k in Fairtrade Premium that year for workers to invest in community or business needs.
The new initiative, ‘Improved Workers’ Rights in Ethiopian Flowers,’ running from 2022-2025, builds on previous efforts to improve working conditions and raise awareness of workers’ rights, gender, and disability inclusion of workers on flower farms. The joint announcement comes during Fairtrade Fortnight, ensuring that more people across the UK learn more about Fairtrade flowers.
Largely, young women migrant workers on Ethiopian flower plantations face poor job security and low wages. Trade unions in the Ethiopian flower sector have limited reach and impact, despite the industry employing more than 70% of women.
Read more at grocerytrader.co.uk