New Frito-Lay union formed in Guatemala

After a long preparatory process, a large number of workers at Frito Lay Group Company Ltd., a subsidiary of PepsiCo in Guatemala, decided to organize and form a union.The new Frito Lay Group Company Ltd. Workers Union (SITRAFRITOLAY) was formally registered on February 2 after organizing its first general assembly and appointing board members.

The company has already been summoned to appear before the courts in order to protect the members of the newly formed union from dismissal, to ensure their job security and prevent violation of their rights.

“We are hopeful that the Frito Lay Group will comply with the PepsiCo Global Code of Conduct, in which the US transnational undertakes to respect freedom of association for all of its employees worldwide, including its subsidiaries” said David Morales, general secretary of the Federation of Food, Agro and Allied workers (FESTRAS).

Morales explained that members of SITRAFRITOLAY are willing to talk openly and responsibly with the company.”We believe that this is a good opportunity for both workers and the company to discuss various points”. “FESTRAS and the IUF will continue supporting this important organizational effort” continued Morales.

Frito-Lay is a leader in the production and marketing of snacks that has a presence in over 42 countries. The company generates about 13 billion dollars, i.e. half the total earnings of PepsiCo.

With over 24 years in Central America, Frito Lay Central America and the Caribbean region together generate over 5,800 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs, with four production plants in Guatemala, Panama, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.