Netwerk24 reports that the Norwegian state-owned enterprise Vinmonopolet will until 7 April be holding special inspections at wine farms to make sure that international standards and legislation are being adhered to.
Vinmonopolet is the only company in Norway that is permitted to sell liquor with an alcohol content greater than 4.75%. It indicated that the inspections at up to 40 farms were being held following the “important concerns” revealed in the Danish documentary ‘Bitter Grapes: Slavery in the Vineyards’. The focus of the inspections in Stellenbosch, Paarl and Robertson is to ensure that all products that Vinmonopolet sells comply with the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). Issues to be looked into relate to whether workers are aware of rights and responsibilities in terms of the BSCI code, freedom of association and worker rights, access to safe drinking water, training about occupational safety (particularly in respect of poisonous substances), procedures for the handling of grievances, minimum wages and deductions from workers’ wages. All producers sign the BSCI code when they deliver their products to Vinmonopolet, which consults with Norwegian importers and trade union as well South African exporters and unions. (Loosely translated from Afrikaans)
- Read this report by Malherbe Nienaber in full in Afrikaans at Netwerk24 (limit on access)
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