"Dole Human Rights Impact Assessment", December 2010

The El Muelle plantation, owned and operated by Dole in Costa Rica, is one of the most responsible employers in the area and possibly in the industry. Workers have access to on-site medical care, flexible hours…and…are generally given the option to make more than minimum wage, and housing conditions reflect the adequacy of salaries…Employee families, too, benefit from Company policies…Children of employees are provided school supplies, and the…generous scholarship program has sent many a worker’s child through secondary school. Workers, provided transportation to work, can live near their extended families rather than move to the Project area, promoting the Right to Privacy and the Right to Housing. The greatest weakness in Dole’s human rights regime is its approach towards the communities nearest to the project…Residents of San Jorge town have seen declining protections for their Rights to Education, Health, Adequate Standards of Living (and Housing), a Clean Environment, Adequate Supply of Water and Privacy…