The RSPO Secretariat reminds our members that the 2018 RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C), contains many provisions for the implementation of SOPs, provisions for work protections like PPE and safe working conditions, as well as a commitment to meeting or exceeding the local national minimum wages. All members should be implementing the World Health Organisation’s COVID-19 Advice for Public as well as local and national regulations related to the precautions and treatment of COVID-19.
Social obligations to workers: Please ensure that you are taking every effort to ensure job security, fair wages, and the provision of healthy and adequate food, among other social requirements within the 2018 P&C. The International Labor Organization’s COVID-19 Enterprises Resources provides guidance on what is expected of businesses at this time.
Smallholders: Ensure that smallholders are paid on a timely basis so that they may support their families and communities during this time. If there are shortages of vital and important foodstuffs or supplies, we ask that you take immediate action to address these issues.
Migrant Workers: Ensure that migrant workers are not disproportionately affected by the economic and healthy impacts of COVID-19. This includes ensuring that obligations related to housing, food, and employment are upheld. Please see the United Nations’s International Organisation for Migration Guidance for Employers and Businesses on Protection of Migrant Workers During the COVID-19 Crisis for more information.
Country Specific Guidance:
If you have any questions on the requirements of RSPO’s Standards or need advice on what actions should be taken to maintain your certification, please contact the Assurance Department at [email protected] or your local Secretariat team.
