Socioeconomic Problems

The conventional banana production in Costa Rica causes great social and labor problems that the state does not control and has no interest in controlling. The incentives given to this industry and the restrictions on other activities impede the development of different production and labor options for the banana plantation areas. The limitations on economic development are complemented by a limited infrastructure of public services (health, education, electricity, potable water, and transportation) in the banana areas, which produce a stagnation in the possibilities for social development in the communities. In general, the businesses handle the contracting and labor practices, according to their needs, in a manner that violates labor rights and the standards of health protection for the workers and the environment.

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Union Freedom >>
The banana companies flagrantly violate the right to free unionizing and to collective negotiation despite the fact that these rights are stipulated in national legislation and in the agreement of the International Labor Organization (ILO) which Costa Rica signed and ratified.

Health and Pesticides >>
The irrational and uncontrolled use of pesticides has created health problems for the workers and the surrounding communities, as well as for the environment.

Women Workers >>
Women comprise the majority of the work force in the packing factories. When the production decreases, the work day is drastically reduced, greatly impacting the children who much of the time are being raised alone.

Migrant Workers and Indigenous Peoples >>
Migrant workers, peasants from Nicaragua and indigenous peoples from Panama, are one of the sectors of workers most marginalized in the banana industry.

Working Conditions >>
The transnational and domestic banana companies violate important labor laws, such as the right to a stable, healthy, and decent job.

Banana Plantation Communities and Development >>
The banana plantation communities are among the least developed communities in Costa Rica.