Urgent appeal to help victims of Costa Rica flooding
3 December 2008
 Torrential rains have destroyed banana plantations in the Caribbean coastal regions of Costa Rica. It is estimated that up to 10,000 hectares have been affected which could lead to the loss of 10,000 jobs in the banana export industry. At least 46,000 people have been rendered homeless with damage running into tens of millions of US dollars.
A state of emergency has been declared in the Limon and Sarapiqui regions. £2.5 million has been pledged by the authorities to help victims of the flooding and to restore health services and repair roads. However the government has appealed for further help to aid relief efforts.
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Banana Plantations Frequently the Location for Anti-Union Repression on the American Continent
1 December 2008, ITUC
The situation facing trade unions on the American continent is nothing other than dramatic. That was the main message of the 'Americas' section of the ITUC Annual Survey on Violations of Trade Union Rights, which was published today. This part of the world predictably retained its infamous reputation as the most dangerous continent for trade unionists, largely owing to Colombia, where 39 trade unionists lost their lives as a result of their union activities.
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Voters Approve New Ecuadorian Constitution
27 October 2008
Voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution on Sunday 28th
September that amongst other things ended labour sub-contracting in all
sectors of the economy in Ecuador and heralded other important reforms
to labour law.
The new constitution also includes reference to the idea of food
sovereignty - a
world first. Despite constant predictions of a close vote, nearly 64%
of the voters
approved and only 29% were against.
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International Solidarity for Nicaraguan Union Leader
8 September 2008
 Abilio Castro, legal officer of ATC Chinandega rural workers'association, will recieve the hip replacement he desperately needs thanks to the incredible generosity of the London Region of the GMB. "This is an extraordinary act of solidarity along the supply chain between British and Latin American workers. GMB London Regional Secretary Ed Blissett and his colleagues met Abilio during a delegation visit to Latin America this year and are aware of the importance of Abilio's continued ability to work on behalf of his members in Nicaragua." commented Banana Link's National Coordinator, Jacqui Mackay.
Read more... Abilio Castro of ATC Chinandega
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