Hummingbird Citrus II strike resolved

The strike by workers at the Hummingbird Citrus Limited two, has been resolved. The Christian Workers Union announced today that the management agreed on Friday to increase the hourly pay rate from $2.00 to $2.25. The contract rate is also being increased to $0.62, an increase of 2 cents. Although the workers had initially asked for $2.50 an hour, they cut their demand during the negotiations last week. But wages was not the only issue when they left the fields on February 7th. Workers complained about poor living conditions and sanitation, as well as exposure to dangerous chemicals. To address these concerns, management has also agreed to improve the electricity, bathing and toilet facilities, transportation and protective gear. It was agreed that groves would not be sprayed with pesticides while workers were in the area and that containers with chemicals would be closed while transported. Only workers involved in pest control would be transported with the chemicals and management will find an alternative storeroom for chemicals. A tractor will clear bush where necessary and first aid kits will also be provided and equipped to deal with special injuries such as snakebites. The agreement made with the Union will be good for one year and the management will recognize the Christian Workers Union as the sole bargaining agent for the workers. Union President James McFoy told News Five he is pleased at the results of the negotiations and says both the management and the government understand the position of the workers. However, he believes that the dispute could have been cleared up a lot faster if the management had agreed to negotiate with the union from the beginning of the strike. However he says it is a good sign that the workers were willing to stand up for their rights independently and he is encouraged by Minister of Labour Valdemar Castillo’s interest in the situation of agriculture workers, not only at H.C.L. II, but across the country.