Update on dispute between Fyffes and Honduran plantation workers

  • 8 November 2018

The following statement should be read in conjunction with our previous updates. 

ETI member, Fyffes, has been under suspension since May 2017 following complaints by Banana Link and the International Union of Foodworkers.

Since then, ETI's board of companies, trade unions and NGOs has periodically reviewed the suspension, and while it recognises that some positive engagement has taken place, it has yet to see evidence of a clear process involving workers’ representatives and employers that will address the underlying dispute.

As a consequence, the board has maintained Fyffes’ suspension.

On 18 October 2018, ETI’s board agreed to extend the suspension for a final 60-day period pending the outcome of a joint mission to Honduras consisting of Fyffes representatives and independent mediators aimed at agreeing a meaningful way forward that would include engagement with local workers’ representatives.

If the mission fails to deliver concrete, practical steps towards resolving the dispute then ETI will have no choice but to terminate Fyffes’ membership.

Therefore, ETI urges Fyffes to take this opportunity to create a clear framework for engagement, both to address the underlying dispute and to create an environment for constructive industrial relations in the future.

ETI's blog covers issues at the intersection of business and human rights. We feature posts by, for and from our members and allies; we do not accept or offer payment for posts or publish content outside of these criteria. We welcome a range of insights and opinions from our guest bloggers, though don't necessarily agree with everything they say.