Social Responsibility

EARTH continues to lead by example with working conditions, salaries and benefits, and training and community investment programs that demonstrate a more sustainable model of employment and community relations for commercial banana production. What follows is a representative sample of social and labor practices in place at EARTH´s banana farm.

Workers Rights and Representation

Joint Representation – EARTH’s banana farm employees are represented to management by an official committee (comité permanente) of workers from all parts of the farm which negotiates salaries, job requirements, work conditions, and benefits. Each year, an agreement is negotiated and signed by the committee on behalf of the workers and by EARTH President José Zaglul on behalf of EARTH University. The document is then officially registered with the Costa Rican government and made available to all workers.

The committee also represents workers in disagreements with management, ensures that management is in compliance with its commitments, and coordinates trainings and social activities. The 3 committee members are elected by the workers in a process certified by a third party group and sanctioned by the Costa Rican government. EARTH provides permanent office space for the committee and guarantees one day per month for committee members to visit with workers and tend to committee business.

Solidarity Association – All EARTH banana farm workers have the option to join a solidarity association (asociación solidarista) which is a financial organization run for workers and by workers and completely autonomous and independent from EARTH. Employees contribute 5% of their salary and EARTH matches 3%. The association provides savings plans and offers loans and other products and services at below market rates. Every year, the association pays out interest earned to its members. EARTH donates the salary of a full-time administrator for the association.

Occupational Health and Safety

Protective Equipment – EARTH was one of the first farms to promote use of protective clothing and other precautionary techniques for workers exposed to chemicals. On EARTH’s farm, workers are provided with safety equipment and training appropriate for their function.

Aerial Tractor – EARTH uses a motorized tractor to transport bananas from the field to the packing plant. On most banana farms, the bananas are pulled by human power through the fields. EARTH’s innovation increases efficiency and eliminates one of the most physically demanding jobs in banana production.

Facilities – EARTH makes it a priority to maintain all farm facilities and equipment in professional, safe, and efficient working condition.

Salaries, Benefits, and Training

Salaries – EARTH pays workers on its farm salaries above Costa Rica legal minimums and above Costa Rican banana industry averages.

Medical Clinic – All EARTH University employees, including those who work on the university farms receive free access to EARTH’s private, on-campus medical clinic. For many people who live locally, this saves a costly and time-consuming trip to a public clinic in a neighboring town.

Retirement savings and medical insurance – Workers on EARTH’s farm participate in the Costa Rican government’s retirement and medical insurance system (equal to social security and a company health plan.) This is a right enjoyed by all legal workers in Costa Rica, but not in many other banana producing countries.

Vacation plan 50% more generous than legal requirement – Costa Rican workers must earn 1 day of vacation per month worked. After 3 years of employment, EARTH farm employees receive 1.5 days per month. EARTH also offers banana farm employees paid paternity and sick-child / spouse leave. (Maternity leave is required by Costa Rican labor law.)

Access to a merit-based scholarship fund – EARTH provides scholarships to help pay primary and high school tuition for children of farm workers. EARTH also provides basic school supplies to children of workers who need such assistance.

Training courses - EARTH offers farm employees training on topics selected by the employees. In 2007, EARTH will provide a series of courses in basic computer skills, leadership, management, and English for farm employees to increase overall education.