Developed as part of an educational resource on the topic of ‘globalisation’ in the lead up to One World Week in November 2002, the Fyffe Times Better postcard was distributed to 20,000 people from youth organisations across Ireland to generate interest and critical reflection in clubs and youth group contexts.
The card demands that Fyffes ensure that workers in Belize the area chosen for highlighting in the NYCI campaign are made aware of their rights.
Pat Boyle of the Irish Independent detailed the story: Fyffes expressed surprise at the launch of the campaign and in a letter to its organisers said it was also interested in the welfare of workers supplying it with bananas. It points out that the code includes express provisions that “workers have the right to join any labour organisation of their choice” and that “wages shall match or exceed industry averages or legal minimums”.
However, the Fyffes letter, from Carl McCann, did concede that:
“To my knowledge, no trade union or other labour organisation has to date sought recognition under the relevant Belize legislation.”
Source: National Youth Council of Ireland
Date: 2002
Courtesy of Valerie Duffy
Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects is organised by developmenteducation.ie, an online hub focused on learning about the unequal and unjust shape of the world today, and is coordinated by Aidlink, Concern Worldwide, the Irish Development Education Association, the National Youth Council of Ireland, Self Help Africa, Trócaire and 80:20 Educating and Acting for a Better World.
DevelopmentEducation.ie is part funded by Irish Aid.
