Since 2001 Chiquita is the only international banana company to have an International Framework Agreement in place with IUF and COLSIBA.  This agreement includes labor standards covering workers’ rights, freedom of association and right to collective bargaining.  This, along with our more than 35 workers representative bodies collective efforts,  helps protect the rights of thousands of banana workers across the region. It is disappointing when we learn about issues elsewhere the industry where others have not acted as we strive to do. 

We continue to work closely with stakeholders, certifiers and also sit on the steering committee of the World Banana Forum of the FAO to try and promote collaborative efforts to raising standards throughout the worldwide industry on which, according to the FAO, 400 million people depend for a staple food or source of income.