| More on the Cointreau workers' unions
The workers' unions at the Guacimal company in northern Haiti have been trying for over one year to negotiate a reasonable agreement on improved pay and conditions. But the Guacimal management has refused to agree a settlement, and instead has either made derisory offers or sent hired thugs and police to harass union leaders.
Rémy Cointreau, one of the richest and most powerful drinks companies in the world, holds a minor but significant share in the Guacimal company, but it refuses to take responsibility for the denial of Haitian workers' legitimate rights.
At a meeting in Paris in November 2001, Olivier Charriaud, Cointreau's international director, promised a representative of the Haitian unions that his company would intervene to resolve the dispute. Two months later, nothing has changed.
Please send the model letter (or your own version if you prefer) to Rémy Cointreau in Paris or New York.
Remember to add your name and address.
_____________________________________________________________
I am writing to implore your company to act immediately to ensure the rights of the legitimate trade unions at the two Guacimal SA workplaces in Haiti. I know that Rémy Cointreau is only a minority share-holder in Guacimal, but I also know that Rémy Cointreau has publicly stated its intention to have local laws and customs respected wherever it conducts its business. However, as you are aware, in Haiti the Guacimal management has refused to enter into meaningful agreements with the legally registered workers' unions, and worse still, there have been numerous reports of representatives of the Guacimal management violently threatening and attacking union members. I understand that the dispute has now been continuing for over one year - this is far too long! As you know, the orange harvesting season lasts only a few months, and it is a particular source of concern that it appears as though the Guacimal management hopes to again avoid a negotiated settlement during the current season. This would mean that the orange workers' unions would have to wait until the end of this year to be in a position to once more press for improved pay and conditions. I know that you have recently spoken with the Guacimal management and with a representative of the Batay Ouvriye union federation from northern Haiti, and that therefore you are fully aware of the situation. Consequently, I respectfully request that Rémy Cointreau immediately instructs its Haitian partner to respect Haitian labour legislation, and to see to it that a fair and reasonable resolution to this damaging dispute is concluded as soon as possible. If this does not happen I will be forced to conclude that, contrary to its public statements, Rémy Cointreau is content to see internationally-recognised workers' rights trampled into the ground in the interests of guaranteeing its massive profits. I await your reply at your earliest possible convenience, Yours sincerely, NAME: ADDRESS: For background information on the orange workers' struggle see:The Haiti Support Group web site campaigns section and Multinational Monitor's Winning Campaigns:"Haiti's Thirst for Justice" : Back to Home Page |