Solidarity means acknowledging the basic need of others and helping them to fulfill them. Workers unions have always been strong in Argentina, so there is a high level of regulations to ensure this, with strict auditing by the government. For example good housing for the workers is an important point of interest. Sebastian Garrido: “Our seasonal workers come back every year. So they feel closer to their living environment and take good care of it.”
PAI’s organic production meant a boost for the local economy, because it uses more people and less machines. The packing facility means that there is work in winter too. There was a lot of crisis in the local fruit farming around 2000 and many young people moved away. PAI is now making a conscious effort to involve young people and give them opportunities; Roberto’s own son, Sebastian, is a good example!
PAI / Fruempac has signed the BSCI Code of Conduct, an initiative for improving working conditions.