On July 16, the National Commission for the Commemoration of the National Day of Banana Workers held a forum to celebrate and remember one of the most significant milestones in Costa Rica’s union history. Historian Marielos Aguilar, a specialist in the history of Costa Rica’s social and union movements, shared insights with La Rel.
The Struggle of Banana Workers
“Banana workers in Costa Rica have played a crucial role in the national labor movement, especially from the 1930s onward when they began collaborating with the recently established Costa Rican Communist Party,” said Aguilar.
Carlos Luis Fallas, known as “Calufa,” was one of the party’s founders. He worked as a banana laborer and union leader and authored “Mamita Yunai,” a novel depicting the harsh living and working conditions on the banana plantations operated by the United Fruit Company (UFCO), now Chiquita Brands. This book is recognized as the first Costa Rican novel.
“Fallas’ work was instrumental in forming basic cells in each plantation and organizing the first congress of the banana sector,” Aguilar explained.
The Great Strike of 1934
On August 4, 1934, UFCO plantation workers in Guápiles drafted a document outlining their demands, which included union recognition, wage increases, eight-hour workdays, overtime pay, and health services. They presented this document to the American transnational’s management.
When their demands were ignored, the workers initiated a general strike. Although UFCO initially signed an agreement with the union, they never honored it and used various tactics to undermine the protest. However, a new strike broke out on September 9-10, 1934, which was violently repressed.
“This was the most bitter and cruel chapter of this heroic effort by the organized banana workers. Despite strong repression, they marked the beginning of an irreversible process,” Aguilar noted.
Honoring the Legacy
In 2016, Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly passed Law 9393, declaring August 4 as Banana Worker’s Day. Aguilar emphasized the importance of this date in the history of Costa Rica’s labor movement, especially for educating new generations.
“Costa Rica must honor these workers who were pillars of private sector unionism,” he stated.
Current Challenges
Ninety years later, labor and union rights violations in the agricultural sector remain a significant concern. Comparing the demands of banana workers from almost a century ago with today’s conditions in Costa Rica’s agro-industrial sector reveals that many issues persist.
The Education Crisis
“Privatization of higher education has resulted in new teachers being unaware of or not appreciating these historical achievements. Educational programs often lack information about the national identity forged through the working-class struggle,” Aguilar lamented.
She stressed the need to reposition August 4 as a symbol of bravery, strength, and class identity. “It is a message of hope that we must not forget,” she concluded.
As we commemorate the 90th anniversary of the historic protest against “Mamita Yunai,” it is crucial to reflect on the sacrifices made by banana workers and recognize the ongoing struggles for labor rights. Honoring their legacy not only pays tribute to their bravery but also serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing the fight for fair and just working conditions in Costa Rica and beyond.
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