Support Dole Flower Workers this Mother's Day

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/dole_mothersday

This Mother's Day, take a moment to support the flower workers that produce the roses and carnations for your bouquets. Last week, Dole started negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement with the independent union Sintrasplendor. The agreement will apply to workers at the Splendor-El Rosal farm, and the Splendor-El Corzo farm where less than 10% of the workers remain after Dole announced last October that it was closing the plantation. Dole initiated negotiations only because the Ministry of Social Protection required it to do so before fully closing, and after the first few rounds, they have already shown that they are not proceeding in good faith.

The workers' simple demands include salary increases, job stability, and employment at El Rosal for the few workers who remain at the Corzo farm. Dole has not taken the negotiations seriously, or responded to any of the workers' key concerns-- even to present counter-offers or let the workers know what salary increase might be possible based on the company's current financial situation. Send a letter to Dole demanding they negotiate in good faith with their workers.



You can also support flower workers' rights by choosing to buy certified flowers from programs that promote safe and decent working conditions and protection for the environment. Look for VeriFlora certified flowers at your local supermarket, florist shop, or at www.OrganicBouquet.com. Keep an eye out also for Fair Trade Certified flowers which will be available by next Mother's Day!

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
President John Amaya

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Negotiate with your workers in good faith

Dear ,

I am very concerned to hear that, as Mother's Day approaches, Dole Fresh Flowers is violating the rights of the Colombian workers producing the bouquets sold all over the United States for this special holiday.

Not only did you announce the closure of the flower plantation with the largest independent union last October, but now you are refusing to negotiate in good faith with the remaining unionists at Splendor Flowers - El Rosal. The right to collective bargaining, like the right to freedom of association, is a core labor right, established by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and ratified by Colombia.

I strongly urge you to respond to workers' petitions and stop using delay tactics to avoid negotiating with workers about their most pressing concerns.

Sincerely,

your name.

Instructions: Click here to take action on this issue: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/dole_mothersday

[grasswire]

1. is that where flowers are coming from?

Colombia?

Are we stripping water supplies and tillable land for the gazillions of bouquets sold at supermarkets?

I know that the European market for flowers is causing great pain in Africa.

I'd like to know a lot more about this whole subject.