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Between law and voluntary sustainability standards: a case study of the labor conditions in Brazilian coffee production

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  • Perosa, Bruno Benzaquen
  • Saes, Maria Sylvia Macchione
  • Marcelino de Jesus, Clesio

Abstract

The rise of private governance mechanisms has been highlighted as a critical instrument to avoid labor rights flexibilization and defend decent work conditions in agricultural chains. This paper analyzes the impact of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSSs) on labor rights in the coffee production sector of Cerrado Mineiro, a traditional region in Brazil. In 2017, Brazil underwent a comprehensive reform of its labor laws and legal institutions. Based on qualitative research using primary and secondary data, this research investigates whether VSSs were effective in preserving labor rights for rural workers in a more deregulated institutional environment following the 2017 labor reform. Results indicate that VSSs do not guarantee labor rights, and that labor law relaxation may endanger rural coffee workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Perosa, Bruno Benzaquen & Saes, Maria Sylvia Macchione & Marcelino de Jesus, Clesio, 2024. "Between law and voluntary sustainability standards: a case study of the labor conditions in Brazilian coffee production," Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural (RESR), Sociedade Brasileira de Economia e Sociologia Rural, vol. 62(3), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:revi24:340883
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.340883
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elizabeth A. Bennett, 2018. "Voluntary Sustainability Standards: A Squandered Opportunity to Improve Workers' Wages," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(1), pages 65-82, January.
    2. Spencer Henson & John Humphrey, 2010. "Understanding the Complexities of Private Standards in Global Agri-Food Chains as They Impact Developing Countries," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(9), pages 1628-1646.
    3. Paavola, Jouni, 2007. "Institutions and environmental governance: A reconceptualization," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 63(1), pages 93-103, June.
    4. Paul Shrivastava & Silvester Ivanaj & Sybil Persson, 2013. "Transdisciplinary Study of Sustainable Enterprise," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(4), pages 230-244, May.
    5. Ortega, Antonio César & Jesus, Clesio Marcelino, 2011. "Território Café do Cerrado: transformações na estrutura produtiva e seus impactos sobre o pessoal ocupado," Brazilian Journal of Rural Economy and Sociology (Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural-RESR), Sociedade Brasileira de Economia e Sociologia Rural, vol. 49(3), pages 1-30, September.
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