On the very same day that Oxfam released a report highlighting disturbing labour and environmental issues on Philippine banana plantations, Dole has agreed to discontinue use of its “Ethical Choice” label and withdraw its application to trademark the term.
Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand, Barry Coates, said, “We welcome this announcement. This is great news for New Zealanders. Dole has realised that the public won’t accept marketing spin and self-made claims.
“More importantly, we hope that this is the start of a process that will improve conditions for people who are working hard to grow the bananas we eat. Our concern lies with the women, children and men in the Philippines who are struggling to get by under conditions we would never tolerate for ourselves – child labour, toxic pesticide exposure, workers paid below a living wage, and a denial of rights to form independent trade unions – these are unacceptable regardless of whether they happen in Manukau or Mindanao.
Dole: what a bunch of rotten bananas they are! Was reading about this in the paper yesterday, unbelievable. How can these guys sleep at night knowing they have been telling such lies. No conscience I guess.
https://www.bananasthemovie.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VYPQ6jJKWY