Professional behaviour in the workplace benefits both the employer and employee as it strengthens the effectiveness of operational processes, contributing to business productivity and wider industry reputation. However, when employee behaviours are not in line with expectations, the employer may decide to intervene. Although these interventions are intended to benefit both parties, there is a risk that this could be done in an unfair or degrading manner towards the employee.

This Criterion focuses on establishing an effective and consistent way to deal with performance matters, while protecting the dignity, and physical and mental wellbeing of employees on ASC-certified farms.

Intent – The aquaculture industry implements fair and transparent disciplinary practices, fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

With many global standards and local regulations in place, working time is one of the oldest labour concerns.7676International Labour Organization (ILO). (1919). Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 1). Geneva, Switzerland: ILO. Excessive working hours are a widespread issue – including within the aquaculture industry – and in some regions are driven by low hourly wages.7777Messenger, J. (2018). Working time and the future of work. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organization. An inability to decline excessive overtime, due to wage pressures or fear of dismissal, can result in forced labour and higher levels of fatigue-related accidents.

This Criterion focuses on ASC-certified farms having a framework for regulating hours of work, rest periods and annual holidays – serving also to promote higher productivity while safeguarding employees’ physical and mental health.

Intent – The aquaculture industry implements reasonable working hours that encourage a healthy work-life balance.

Every employee deserves to be fairly compensated for their efforts. In many countries, this compensation is insufficient to maintain a decent standard of living, leaving employees and their families in a cycle of poverty which is difficult to escape from. Across many industries, efforts are being made to progress compensation up to the level of a living wage, defined as “the remuneration received for a standard workweek by a worker in a particular place sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the worker and her or his family. Elements of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, health care, transportation, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected event.”7575https://www.globallivingwage.org/about/what-is-a-living-wage/

Intent – The aquaculture industry provides salaries at or above the legal minimum wage and improves towards payment of a living wage.