The WIETA Code of Conduct: Proposal for a Complementary Regulatory Model for Labor Relations in Brazilian Vitiviniculture

Abstract

The trade of supposedly more elite products does not necessarily imply that the production chain is structured in a sustainable manner with regards to labor relations. In the month of February 2023, the dark side of the grape and wine sector in the southern region of Brazil came to light as cases of basic labor rights violations were uncovered, including records of work in conditions analogous to slavery. This gives rise to a discussion about the inadequacy of a strictly mandatory and state-driven regulatory model in the implementation of rights. In this scenario, this work aims to evaluate whether, in order to establish a complementary model of self-regulation and co-regulation in labor practices, the implementation of a privately natured code of conduct, inspired by the South African WIETA model, would be viable. For this purpose, a logical-deductive method is employed, aided by a review of the literature on the global and local context of the sector, as well as data concerning production positioning and improvements in working conditions. It is proposed that, drawing from the experience of South Africa and the social and economic similarities, there is a virtuous inspiration for Brazilian economic agents to create a local code of conduct that prioritizes decent work and sustainability as pillars, without neglecting global reputational recognition and profitability.