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What is Fair Labor?

By Diana OlsonSeptember 05, 2024

How Numi Champions Ethical Sourcing

At Numi Organic Tea, our passion extends beyond crafting exceptional teas; it's about supporting and honoring the dedicated people and communities who bring our teas to life. We believe every worker deserves fair treatment and safe working conditions, no matter where they are.

In some tea-growing regions, traditional certifications like Fair Trade aren't always accessible or applicable. To bridge this gap and uphold our commitment to ethical sourcing, we developed the Verified Fair Labor™ certification program. This adaptable and comprehensive program ensures fairness and equity for tea workers everywhere, including places like Yunnan, China, where we've made significant strides in improving livelihoods and strengthening communities.

This post explores what Fair Labor means to Numi and how this program enables us to champion ethical practices across our supply chain, ensuring that every cup of Numi tea contributes to a more just and sustainable world.

Understanding Fair Labor Certification

Fair Labor certification is a set of ethical standards that ensure workers receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and essential benefits. Unlike other certifications, such as Fair Trade, Fair Labor is adaptable and can be applied where additional oversight is needed. This flexibility makes it an invaluable tool for promoting ethical labor practices worldwide.

Numi's Fair Labor Program in Yunnan

In Yunnan, China, Numi's Verified Fair Labor™ certification program has directly impacted the lives of tea workers. All growers must be certified organic, which protects them from harmful chemicals and ensures a safer work environment. Our program fosters direct partnerships with growers, promoting fair wages, safe working conditions, and a healthier, more supportive workplace.

The Role of Organic Certification in Fair Labor

A crucial element of our Fair Labor program requires all growers to be certified organic. This protects workers from exposure to harmful chemicals and ensures that the tea they harvest is of the highest quality. By integrating organic certification into our Fair Labor standards, we safeguard the environment and the people who produce our teas.

Continuous Improvement and Direct Partnerships

Our Fair Labor Verification program emphasizes continuous improvement, with annual third-party audits to ensure ongoing progress and accountability. This approach builds solid and direct partnerships with growers, encouraging them to improve the social conditions within their supply chains. Our program guarantees fair wages, safe working environments, and overtime pay.

The Importance of Fair Labor Where Fair Trade Isn't Available

Fair Labor certification is essential in regions where Fair Trade certification isn't an option. It allows us to extend our ethical sourcing practices to more areas, ensuring workers are treated fairly regardless of where our tea is grown. This flexibility is crucial to upholding the high ethical standards that Numi Organic Tea is known for. To learn more about our Fair Trade practices, click here.

The Impact of Fair Labor on Numi's Supply Chain

Our Fair Labor practices have significantly improved workers' lives in our supply chain, leading to better working conditions, fair wages, and a stronger sense of community. When you choose Numi Organic Tea, you're not just enjoying a cup of tea—you're supporting a movement that values people, the planet, and the highest-quality teas.

Explore Our Fair Labor Verified™ Teas

Here are some of our teas that are Verified Fair Labor™ certified:

Each of these teas not only offers a rich and flavorful experience but also embodies our commitment to ethical sourcing and Fair Labor practices. Enjoy a cup, knowing that you're making a positive impact with every sip.