Take action!

Given the history of fruit companies in Central America and the current problems with the ethics of banana companies, it is important that we, the consumers, take action against the injustices and support companies which treat their workers fairly and encourage fair trade. Thousands of workers are being exploited by the fruit companies and can not afford to support their families. We, the consumers, have the power to demand fair treatment of workers! The livelihood of thousands of families
We have the ability to vote with our dollars!

The first thing we can do is choose to boycott companies such as Del Monte, Chiquita, and Dole, who have been known to exploit their workers, bribe government officials, and murder union leaders. Financially supporting these companies encourages them to continue their practices and contributes to their malpractices in Central and South America.

Buy Caribbean or Fairtrade bananas with a Fairtrade sticker. These companies sell bananas at a price that covers real cost of production, including adequate pay for farmers. Additionally, they strive to reduce the use of pesticides which has led to the deaths of thousands of workers. The price of these bananas (which, admittedly, is higher than Chiquita or Dole’s prices) reflect the actual costs of production, and a premium is imposed on every box which funds projects aimed at improving social and environmental standards. The higher the demand for ethical products, the more companies will adopt ethical practices.
http://www.supportcaribbeanbananas.org.uk/

Another option is to buy fair-trade dry fruits from a company called Frutos de los Andes (Fruandes). They strive to improve the quality of life of their workers by paying them 20% more wages than average and providing them with educational opportunities. The growers, workers, processors, and exporters work together to form solidarity in agriculture and produce certified organic fruits.

http://www.fruandes.com/home.php?mid=2

We have the ability to make our voices heard by the Fruit Companies!
Many of the fruit companies’ workers are illiterate or oppressed by their employers and government, making it extremely difficult for them to demand better working conditions. As consumers, we have the ability to demand that the companies treat their workers fairly and create safe working environments. Write to Chiquita and Dole demanding that they stop using illegal pesticides, exploiting their workers, and killing union organizers

Sr Mario Mena, representative of Chiquita subsidiary COBIGUA
mmena@chiquita.com

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
250 East Fifth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202 USA
+513-784-8000

Dole Food Company
PO Box 5700
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359-5700,
800-356-3111

We have the ability to make our voices heard by government officials!
Governments should be restricting the ability of fruit companies to exploit their workers and kill union leaders, but impunity and injustices continue today. Write to ambassadors and government officials demanding that the assassins of union leaders of Guatemala are brought to justice and that they fight for workers’ rights.

Attorney General of Guatemala
Lic. Juan Luis Florido
Fiscal General de la República y Jefe del Ministerio Público
Email: fiscalgeneral@pm.lex.gob.gt

Embassy of Guatemala
130 Albert Street
Suite 1010
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4

We have the ability to work for justice!
Become a volunteer or donate to these organizations, which attempt to encourage fair land distribution, protect workers, encourage union organization, and promote safe working conditions.

http://www.bananalink.org.uk/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/lang,en/
http://www.decentwork.org/
http://www.guatemalasolidarity.org.uk/
http://www.colsiba.org/

For more information on banana trades and fruit companies, check out these sites:

http://www.bananasthemovie.com/
http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/971/33/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0JPz_6JbqI
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/books/review/Kurtz-Phelan-t.html?_r=1
http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Transnational_corps/ChiquitaBanana.html