UNIONISATION has boosted productivity in Colombia, banana chiefs have revealed.

The strength of the single trade union Sintrainagro, now compromises 95 per cent of the labour involved in the Uraba's 340 plantations.

Employer-employee relationships, marred by a history of violence and exploitation are now said to be the best in the industry, with output enhanced due to a happier workforce.

In addition to the industry-wide union contract, new environmental and social programme - Banatura - is being implemented on the ground.

Colombian Banana Producers' Association (Augura) president Fernando Devis first mooted the need for an ethical platform in 1998.

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