According to an article by Campaign for Labor Rights, on March 18, 2002, 120 banana workers were fired in Ecuador after they participated in a daylong, work-stopping strike. They were protesting the policies of Ecuador’s largest banana exporter, the Noboa Company. The workers were on strike in a effort to gain basic labor rights and the recognition of a union.
The owner of the Noboa Company, Alvaro Noboa Ponton, is expected to make his fourth attempt at the presidency in Ecuador in the next election. With over 220,000 banana workers in Ecuador, it is scary to think that such a man could have power over Ecuadorian law. Noboa is the world’s fourth largest banana company after Chiquita, Dole and Del Monte. Noboa owns the Bonita brand.
Fortunately, Ponton was defeated in 2006 at his third attempt for the presidency. However, he received 27% of the primary votes. Banana company owners receiving support as presidential candidates in Central American countries? Workers rights are already being exploited without company representatives serving as strong political leaders. Banana company owners and CEOs cannot be given any more power to abuse the banana workers. They have already caused egregious psychological and physical harm to thousands of workers.
Bad Bananas and Monkey Business 