Thousands of banana workers employed by Chiquita in Panama have been on strike since late April, demanding protection of their retirement benefits, freedom of association, and other labor rights. The strike is led by the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Industria Bananera (SINTRAIBANA) and the Sindicato de Trabajadores de Productores Bananeros Independientes (SITRAPBI), both affiliated with COLSIBA and the International Union of Food Workers (IUF).
Labor rights groups, including Global Labor Justice, have criticized Chiquita for what they describe as retaliatory dismissals of striking workers. The company has also faced calls to cease actions perceived as discriminatory and to respect its existing framework agreement with workers at its Panamanian farms.
The unions are urging Chiquita to reinstate dismissed workers and to engage in negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute. They have emphasized the importance of avoiding any violence or intimidation against striking workers and creating conditions conducive to peaceful dialogue.
The unions and supporting organizations also call on Chiquita to respect international labor standards, including International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98. These conventions affirm workers' rights to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the ability to take collective action such as striking. The unions have expressed concern over reports of threats to shut down farms or withdraw operations from Panama, stating that such actions could breach the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These guidelines emphasize the obligation to respect trade union rights and avoid anti-union retaliation or abrupt business exits.
Chiquita has previously faced scrutiny over labor conditions in the region. Unions and rights groups are urging the company to prioritize the welfare of its workforce in ongoing labor negotiations.
For more information:
Rachel Cohen
Global Labor Justice
Email: [email protected]
www.globallaborjustice.org