Fair Trade Committee Workers Leading Decisions That Matter

The Fair Trade Committee of Vertical Knits, an apparel manufacturer in Yucatán, Mexico, has been managing the Community Development Funds for nearly a decade. The factory became Fair Trade Certified in 2016, making it one of the first in Latin America to do so. Since then, the Fair Trade Committee has evolved from a reluctant group into an active and confident decision-making body. Koberlina Ake, Head of Human Resources, witnessed this shift from the beginning. “They went from being afraid of taking responsibility to excited about participation,” she recalls. Today, the committee includes 16 members representing four factory sites and diverse communities, including Mayan communities, which helps ensure that decisions reflect a wide range of perspectives and needs. Committee members describe their role as rooted in trust and accountability. Edgar Chuc, a Quality Supervisor in the packing area with more than ten years at Vertical Knits and a newly elected member, explains, “We are proud to represent our colleagues. I come from the same community as them, and I know there are many needs. It’s important to learn to listen and empathize.” Reinaldo Moo, who works in machinery maintenance within the sewing area and was reelected by his peers, adds, “Our colleagues see us in the hallways, share their concerns, and trust us to act. That trust makes us proud and aware of the responsibility we have with them”. This structure has helped ensure that investments are grounded in everyday realities and reflect collective priorities and long-term interests. Over the years, this collective process has guided investments in a range of practical projects identified by workers as priorities. These include household water tanks that helped address water scarcity and reduced the need for families to wake up as early as 3:00 a.m. to fill buckets. The committee also supported a bicycle program designed to improve mobility, reduce transportation costs, and support the economic well-managed of participating workers and their families. Greater access to reliable transportation has contributed to improved punctuality and attendance at work and school, while helping households better manage daily expenses. In 2025, $137,600 USD was invested in this initiative, reaching 1,062 workers. Additional investments include cleaner cooking solutions through stove and gas tank projects, which replaced wood-based cooking for 45% of workers. In 2025, $137,500 USD was allocated to the gas tank project, with 1,347 workers expected to benefit by the end of implementation in February 2026. The committee has also supported a mobile health unit providing medical, dental, psychological, and nutritional care for workers and their families. Since its launch in mid-2023, this project was renewed for a third time in 2025, with a $300,000 USD investment from the Community Development Funds. As new committee members step into their roles, conversations about future priorities continue. When asked about what could come next, members share ideas such as affordable supermarkets, scholarships, housing improvements, vocational workshops, and family gardens. These discussions reflect a shared understanding that each project should respond to everyday needs and serve the collective good, reinforcing the committee’s role in guiding Community Development Funds toward practical improvements in people’s lives. Ultimately, these examples demonstrate that Community Development Funds function not only as a financial resource but also as a governance tool that supports shared responsibility, accountability, and worker-led development.