At the end of 1999, allegations of mistreatment of workers in the Del Monte production units led to a boycott campaign of the company’s products. Nearly two years later, the boycott has finally ended, with agreements on working conditions reached between Del Monte and local and international NGOs and Trade Unions.
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Bertolli Lorenzo, CEO of Del Monte, signed the agreement with Willy Mutunga, head of the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and representatives of the trade union and of Kenya Women Workers Organisation.
The company has agreed to compensate employees at its canning factories, which largely deals with pineapples for export or local consumption. Del Monte will also invest in the workers’ communities with schools, health facilities and the construction of new, modern houses for all of its 3,500 permanent employees. More sustainable farming methods will also be introduced to Del Monte’s operations.
