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FLORICULTURE AND ITS PROBLEMS
In Ecuador some 60,000 persons work in the floral industry, many
of whom live around Cayambe. The flower plantations usually not
adhere to proper regulations for health and safety of employees.
However, for most rural households, the floral industry is the
only source of employment in the area.
The workers put up with minimum
wages that do not cover the basic needs of a family; endure long
hours of intense, repetitive work; and are exposed to poisonous
substances, noise, extreme temperatures and solar radiation.
Some plantations and subcontractors also use child labor.
Many floriculture workers are unaware of
their rights. And when they do decide to claim their rights,
they do not know where to go or what to do. FUNDESS helps them
with legal support, training and organization, and supports the
development of alternative sources of employment (ecotourism,
food production).
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ACTIVITIES OF FUNDESS
Office for support to workers
Annually we give legal support to more than 1600 floriculture workers who suffer violations of their human and labor rights.
Organization and citizen participation
To protect their rights and modernize the labor – employer relationships, it is important that people organize themselves. We facilitate the founding of organizations of workers and women.
Training
We raise awareness and train workers, officials and business managers in labor and human rights. We organize seminars on rights, self-esteem and personal growth, and we engage in advocacy.
Ecotourism
Cayambe is an area with few job options and a magnificent natural beauty. The development of ecotourism will improve the environment and the quality of life of people, while creating employment opportunities in micro-enterprises for goods and tourism services.
FUNDESS
The Foundation for Sustainable Social Development (FUNDESS) is a non-governmental organization in Cayambe, Ecuador. We develop and implement projects for social, economic and community development. We defend the human rights and labor rights of workers in de floral industry. We are also committed to environmental protection in the mountains of the Andes. The main focus of FUNDESS is women and youths.
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