Banana Worker Campaigns and Initiatives

Dole Global Campaign

Dole’s denial of worker rights in the banana and flower sectors has prompted a global campaign against the company.  USLEAP joined with 74 other organizations in denouncing Dole and urging it to make a commitment “in practice” to respect the basic rights of workers.   

Bonita Boycott

Ecuador banana workers have called for a boycott of the country’s leading banana producer, owner of the Bonita brand.  The call for a boycott came after workers seeking to organize a union and improve working conditions were met with massive resistance, including violence, illegal firings, and intimidation.  Bonita is owned by the Noboa Corporation, the 4th largest banana company in the world.

Ecuador Labor Law Reform

Ecuador is the largest banana exporter in the world.  With low wages and very few benefits, it is leading the race to the bottom for other banana workers in the region.  Ecuador’s labor law makes it virtually impossible for banana workers to organize unions in order to improve wages and benefits.  In 2008, a new congress worked with President Correa to begin making significant changes in improving the right of workers to organize.