CEADEL in action

However, the working conditions for the girls of 15 to 18 years old are often poor: long working hours, no protective clothing, working with chemical products, and a low wage that is sometimes not even paid. By means of lobbying and information and setting up trade unions, ceadel has tried to bring the working conditions of the girls into line with local employment legislation. In addition, the girls receive elementary education and vocational training.

During a visit in February 2007, Nico Tetteroo of Kinderpostzegels spoke to a delegation of the National Labor Committee (nlc), an ngo from the usa. At that time, and at the request of ceadel, nlc was conducting an investigation into the working conditions in Tierra Fría, a factory in which broccoli and fruit were processed and packaged, particularly for export to the usa. The conditions there were among the worst encountered. Shortly before his visit, moreover, it had been acknowledged that in spite of all the promises, children from 10 to 12 years old were still working there. nlc produced a report based on interviews with girls at the Tierra Fría factory. The report was published at a strategic moment, namely, during President Bush's visit to Guatemala. The New York Times devoted many column inches to interviews with some of the girls, and also other magazines in the us showed an interest in the subject. The effects were soon apparent. For example, the first reaction of a food importer from the US has already been registered. The firm, Superior Foods, has already distanced itself from such practices and has promised to set up an investigation into the practices of its own suppliers.