Indicators 3.7
Indicators
Description
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.4
Applicable to
3.7.5
Applicable to
3.7.6
Applicable to
Rationale 3.7
Employment contracts consist of terms and conditions that address aspects of the employment such as the respective responsibilities of employer and employee. They are designed to give both parties clarity, trust, assurance and protection, through clear and understandable explanation of the obligations for both sides. If these agreements are not clearly understood by the employee, confusion and disagreements may result. Contracting employees in a transparent manner increases accountability in the workplace, helping to build a positive relationship between employer and employee. This Criterion focuses on employers committing to, and employees clearly understanding the terms and conditions of, their employment – contributing to transparency and accountability on ASC-certified farms.
Intent – The aquaculture industry contracts on clear terms for all employees, including migrant workers.
Criterion 3.7 – Transparent Contracts
Indicators 3.6
Indicators
Description
3.6.1
Applicable to
3.6.2
Applicable to
3.6.3
3.6.4
Applicable to
Rationale 3.6
The rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are key mechanisms of worker engagement. These rights, and the pathways that they create, enable workers to come together, articulate their needs to employers and engage in a dialogue regarding the realisation of decent working conditions.
This Criterion focuses on ASC-certified farms upholding employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining – and where national law does not permit these rights, how farms can provide alternatives for employees.
Intent – The aquaculture industry respects and supports the rights to collective bargaining and freedom of association.
Criterion 3.6 – Collective Bargaining and Freedom of Association
Indicators 3.5
Indicators
Description
3.5.1
Applicable to
3.5.2
3.5.3
Applicable to
3.5.4
3.5.5
3.5.6
3.5.7
3.5.8
Applicable to
3.5.9
3.5.10
3.5.11
Applicable to
3.5.12
Applicable to
3.5.13
Applicable to
3.5.14
3.5.15
Applicable to
3.5.16
Applicable to
3.5.17
3.5.18
3.5.19
Applicable to
3.5.20
Applicable to
3.5.21
3.5.22
Applicable to
3.5.23
Applicable to
3.5.24
Applicable to
Rationale 3.5
A safe and healthy work environment ensures that workers are protected from accidents, injuries and illness arising from their employment. Despite this basic right, unsafe work is a reality for many people globally.
An estimated 22 million people are employed worldwide in aquaculture production.7474Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024—Blue transformation in action. Rome, Italy: FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd0683en These workers regularly contend with hazardous conditions and suffer injuries relating to the use of machinery, tools, boats, vehicles, drowning, falling and electrocution. The risks of accidents or incidents typically remain unaddressed due to gaps in knowledge, limited independent analyses of prevention measures or a lack of investment in risk reduction strategies. With adequate health and safety management, many of these incidents can be prevented and additional costs can be avoided.
This Criterion focuses on all aspects of creating a safe, healthy and secure workplace, including training for all employees, on ASC-certified farms.
Intent – The aquaculture industry provides safe and healthy workplaces.
Criterion 3.5 – Health and Safety
Indicators 3.4
Indicators
Description
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.4.6