MONDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2007

Los Angeles jury awards damages to six Nicaraguan banana workers!

The Los Angeles Times reports that the jury deliberating the fate of Dow Chemical and Dole Food reported their verdict this morning (Monday, November 5,2007) and awarded damages to six of the twelve Nicaraguan banana workers. Here is the story:

Jury finds Dole Food liable for farmworker ailments

Dole Food Co. concealed from poor Central American farmworkers the danger of sterilization posed by a pesticide used in the Nicaragua banana fields, a Los Angeles jury decided this morning.

Jurors awarded $2.8 million to six workers, and held Dole responsible for 80% of the damages. The trial will continue Tuesday to determine if Dole should also be assessed punitive damages.

The verdict was the first time an American jury has been allowed to decide on the dangers to farmworkers of the pesticide, read more by clicking here.

Read background material about the Nicaraguan banana workers affected by Nemagon.

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