Colombian banana growers agree to increase wages

The Association of Banana Growers of Colombia (AUGURA), a non-profit union entity, has announced it is to increase wages, following a “historic” agreement with the union. The deal is intended to allow Colombian banana companies to begin a new stage in labour relations that guarantees productivity, innovation and product quality.

Worker in their first year will see a wage increase of 14%, in line with the demands of international markets. The agreement should help end social tensions in the sector and enable the Colombian banana sector to expand. Colombia has around 50,000 hectares of banana production, of which 70% are owned by international producers and marketers associated with AUGURA.