That doesn't mean interim steps shouldn't be taken. In the past week, Bandegua, the Guatemalan subsidiary of Coral Gables-based Fresh Del Monte Produce, has begun to allow replacement workers onto the plantations, has reportedly blocked union workers from entering the plantations while permitting some of the thugs who were involved in the violence, and had armed security guards threaten workers and force an international observer from Witness for Peace off one of the plantations that remains open and operating. In a significant move to break the impasse, the union on November 18 sent a new proposal to the company for a resolution, saying it was prepared to accept the sale of the plantations to local, independent producers on the condition that the workers would remain affiliates of the union and if previous benefits continued to be provided. Del Monte has responded with the aggressive tactics. Pressure is building, but more is needed.
Initiatives are in the works to increase pressure on the company, both in the U.S. and in Europe.
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