Editorial

Palm oil, we almost never see it, yet hold it in our hands several times per day, as it is included in our peanut butter, Nutella, shampoo, biscuits, and so forth. Millions of people work on oil palm plantations to harvest palm nuts. This takes place in Indonesia, Colombia and Ghana, among others. But who are these people? And what do they think of their work?

The International Palm Oil Workers United (IPOWU) network brings together trade unions from the three countries above, and members of the FNV union in the Netherlands who refine palm oil or sell it in supermarkets here. We cooperate to improve the work of all workers throughout the chain, because it is needed.

This first newsletter answers the question Why? by showing the conditions under which people work. You can read how Francisca in Ghana succeeded in becoming a tractor driver and mechanic in the palm oil sector. How women like Darsinah in Indonesia spray dangerous pesticides daily without adequate protection. How trade union leaders in Colombia and Indonesia fight for union recognition and garner support for workers in difficulty. You can also read why the trade unions jointly launched a study into the use of pesticides and other dangerous substances, and what happened with the results.

International cooperation is desperately needed, because companies also operate internationally. But international cooperation is also instructive, interesting and energizing. Like hearing that one protest letter to a Colombian company helped resolve a conflict. Or being inspired by the development and growth of people and their unions, often built from scratch with few resources. And seeing how we can work together throughout the international chain, from palm oil nuts to the jar of peanut butter. After all, we are all colleagues and we all deserve good work, everywhere in the world.

For me personally, it is an honour and a pleasure to work with so many different and inspiring people from different corners of the world. I learn a lot and am greatly inspired by the tough and decisive union members on the plantations.

I hope these stories will inspire you too. Happy reading.     

Astrid Kaag

Palm oil coordinator, Mondiaal FNV