The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association code is built on the following principles:
A business should follow and commit to ethical management practices, with workers, whether permanent or seasonal, being treated equally and according to the standards of the code.
The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association code is against child labour and protect the rights of young workers. It does not use or support modern slavery, in other words forced or bonded labour, and is against any form of exploitation. Workers shall also work decent hours, with overtime being regulated by the labour law.
The code is against unfair discrimination in any form, whether based on gender, race or any other kind of discrimination and strives to create equal opportunities for all. Workers are also treated with respect and dignity with access to fair disciplinary and grievance procedures. They are also not penalised, dismissed or disciplined for making use of these procedures.
Workers are free to join or form trade unions of their own choice to represent their rights and help them bargain collectively for better income and work conditions.
Businesses should also strive to create a safe and healthy work environment and to pay a living wage. Where accommodation is provided, workers should have access to safe and adequate housing conditions and have tenure of security.
South African wine is renowned across the world, with South African wine estates producing quality wine vintages every year. South African w...