Workers Struggles: The Americas
Latin America
Workers in Nicaraguan free trade zone factory strike over firings, company/union severance agreement
Over 1,200 workers at the New Holland Apparel textile plant in Nicaragua struck May 7 following a meeting between union and company representatives in which the firm refused a proposal to pay three months of wages when the plant closes on May 28. Instead, management offered, and the union accepted, a one-time payment of 700 Córdobas, equal to a little less than US$20, an amount called a “joke” by workers. Some 800 workers have signed a petition opposing the agreement “because our rights are violated, and an agreement was made with which we are not in accord.”
May 7, 2021
Government Makes New Proposals; Unions Cautiously Optimistic
The Joint Unions Negotiating Team may now be seeing some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel in their fight for good governance. News Five has confirmed that during Thursday’s negotiation meeting, G.O.B.’s team presented three drafts of good governance legislation. Although government had initially indicated that it would take at least three months to prepare and present these drafts, it appears the process has been expedited. Union leaders are now taking back to their membership a draft of whistleblowers’ legislation, a draft of asset recovery legislation, and a draft campaign financing legislation. There is also a proposed promissory note with possible interest to make up for the proposed salary cuts. Union leaders are being optimistically cautious moving forward. News Five’s Paul Lopez joined the unions through the streets of Belize City today. He filed the following report