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In an effort to improve their working conditions and wages, agricultural workers at Dole's Splendor Flowers plantation in Colombia formed the independent union Sintrasplendor in November 2004. Dole, however, refuses to negotiate with the more than 700 workers because the company has already signed a contract with Sinaltraflor, an industry-friendly union.

As another slap in the face to the Sintrasplendor workers, Dole is ignoring two court orders to reinstate four union workers that were illegally fired.

Dole has a team of lawyers on hand to oppose the legalization of the Sintrasplendor union, despite workers' compliance with every step of the legal process.

Putting its name on more than just bananas, Dole is the largest exporter of flowers from Colombia to the United States. Although it sounds like a beautiful way to make a living, two-thirds of Colombian and Ecuadorian flower plantation workers experience work-related health problems, ranging from headaches to impaired vision, miscarriages, and respiratory and neurological problems. In preparation for Valentine's Day, Dole made them work 15-hour days.

Urge Dole to negotiate fairly with the workers of Sintrasplendor and reinstate the fired workers. Send your letters to: Sue Hagen, Vice President, Dole Food Company Inc., One Dole Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91362. You can also call Dole at 818-874-4000 or email dole_consumer_center@na.dole.com.

Expiration Date:
Fri, 03/31/2006 - 5:00pm