Unifor delegation visits Dominican Republic to support migrant agricultural workers

A Unifor delegation recently visited the Dominican Republic to support the international organization Banana Link, and their project aimed at improving the conditions of Haitian migrant workers in the banana production sector.

"We heard firsthand the difficult working conditions that Haitian migrant workers face daily," said Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional

Director. "Their resilience and determination to improve their lives and working conditions are truly inspiring. Our collaboration with Banana Link is crucial in supporting their efforts."

Banana Link, a UK-based non-profit, has partnered with the Unifor Social Justice Fund to

support a one-year project focused on enhancing the rights and working conditions of Haitian migrant banana plantation workers in the Dominican Republic. This project includes the development and expansion of the National Banana Workers' union (SINTRABAM), worker training, and advocating for a migrant workers' immigration regularization program to protect workers from deportation and improve access to public services such as healthcare.

"The establishment and growth of the national banana and agricultural workers' union is a significant step toward improving the rights and conditions of these workers," said Navjeet Sidhu, Unifor International Director. "It's an honour to support such a vital initiative and witness the union's Social Justice Fund having such a positive impact on the community."

During their visit, the Unifor delegation met with key project partners, including Crusito Toribio, General Secretary of SINTRAPBAM, the Dominican Republic's Minister of Labour, Luis Miguel de Camps, and Pastor Americo of the Congregation of Pastors of the Haitian Church. The visit included a large assembly to launch the national union and the swearing in of the new union's leadership, where Unifor's International Director addressed the assembly, expressing solidarity on behalf of Unifor and its members.

The delegation visit included presentations on issues facing migrant workers in Canada, Unifor's solidarity work on migrant justice campaigns, and an overview of Unifor's education programs and Family Education Centre by the union's Director of Education, Robin Fairchild Clennell.

The delegation's visit concluded with a tour of a banana plantation, providing valuable insights into the workers' daily challenges and the critical need for ongoing support and advocacy. Unifor's partnership with Banana Link and local organizations underscores its commitment to social justice, international solidarity and improving the lives of workers globally.

For more information on projects supported by Unifor's social justice fund visit unifor.org/sjf