Fair Trade

Fair Trade and Transparency

The BOC Commitment

At BOC we must measure part of our success against how much we have improved the lives of our workers. To us this is about respect and proper representation of all those who work for us. And this is how the BOC version of frade. Our goal is transparency, as as much as possible - as that is the only real light that protects fair trade'. We also use metrics to make sure we compare favorably with similar work other work available and adjustments are regularly made according to the cost of living. In the West it is easy to find out this information. It should be the same with any company claiming to be 'fair trade'. The goal is that our workers always have an actual voice. Over the years BOC has consistently exceeded the norm for wages and benefits in the areas where we employ our artisans. This also includes innovations such as company sponsored vacations, safety net coverage for those needing emergency healthcare due to accident or illness, and no-interest loans also to those with emergency needs. And this is also beneficial to BOC! - This becomes obvious when you see not just the quality of our products, but also the self esteem and positive social interactions amongst all of us. A healthy positive work environment is also a reflection of how much we appreciate our workers for all the quality and spirit they put into the products they create. Everyone is valued and everyone has an equal voice and this is the secret to the quality and spirit of the products we produce.

Here are the tenets that BOC has been focused on in Cambodia since 1996:

Upward Bias - We believe applying an upward bias to wages in all areas in which we operate in Cambodia. We also believe that these wages should be tracked and published

Worker's Voice- We make all our locations accessible so anyone can visit and hear from our workers directly.
Quality - BOC 's focus on quality helps keep wages moving in the right direction and provides much need esteem for baskets in general.
Originality - BOC develops all its own styles without copying others. This provide new opportunities for workers to propose their own ideas. Indiscriminate copying can be a probem. We typically respond by just continuiing to move forward to ensure the quaity necessary for a sustainable business model.
Transparency - BOC believes that only when there is full transparency can anyone make claims based on workers' welfare. Providing actual metrics about wages, benefits, working conditions, etc. is the best way to do this. This gives the workers a real voice in the discourse about fair trade.

BOC WAGES -

PDATE 2024 -$9.00 for each of two workers per mat is the current average for weavers in the countryside. This rate in addition to holiday bonuses was as low as $.75 a day in 2002 is expected to keep pace with inflation. Best gage of our success: We strive to be the producer of choice for weavers by never paying under market prices and by always paying on time and developing respectful relationships. If they choose us, that reflects our success. This is hard work but it is usually done outside next to or on the ground level just outside their homes in the countryside.

Purse Makers-

UPDATE MARCH 2025

Purse makers working from from with enough work earn from $10 a day and up, while at the same time caring and cooking for their families.

During our busy season the wages can range from $170- as high as $450 month depending on their speed and how many hours they work.

LOCAL WAGE HISTORY- The garment industry was started in the mid-1990's and paid at that time about $25 per month for 12 hours a day - 6-7 day a week. Between 2000 and 2010 the wage hovered around $50-$60/month for about a 48 hour work week. The rates began to rise in earnest after that time and set government wage for garment workers is base $185 per month. These rates are subject to yearly increases that are approved by local garment manufacturers.

BOC WAGE HISTORY - PURSE MAKERS

BOC started by paying the equivalent of $60 per month - always above the local garment factories. Why don't we pay much more? The best way is to pay well by local standards but not so much that you create an opportunity for others to undercut your business. BOC knows they are paying above market price when some makers will find others to help make our product - but this can only be done by paying their workers less than BOC. When this happens BOC can no longer ensure safe and fair working conditions and when we find out we stop it. t. Currently a good maker can bring in approximately 10-15% more than the workers at the factory while also being able to stay at home and care for their familieis.

Basket Makers-

UPDATE Spring 2025

Current Wage Standard: $8.00-$16.00 when working from home

Typically, basket making is one of the lowest paid professions in the world today. BOC decided to produce some of the best baskets in the world so we would not have to compete with countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan where the wage is currently $1- $1.50 a day. Several companies who see our distinguished quality have approached BOC to make baskets much cheaper and faster but BOC is more interested in quality baskets that last. Buying a quality basket helps maintain a better standard of living and the added bonus of being able to enjoy the self esteem that comes from being able to produce high quality goods. Before starting BOC I bought a basket in 1990 for $60. IT lasted less than 6 months before the handle broke. In 2000 I added baskets to my home and bath. They are still there and in use. It is clear that it pays to buy quality.

Conclusion: BOC pays makers as well as it can given the realities of the marketplace. We hope and fully expect wages to go up as more people continue to appreciate the level of quality that goes into all of our unique products. This page will be continually updated with more and more accurate information, as it is important for all of us to know and share where our product is made and how much our workers are paid.