DUE DILIGENCE FOR DOLE NOMINATION FOR CORPORATE EXCELLENCE

UNCLAS MANILA 001964 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/EP STATE FOR EEB/EPPD NSMITH-NISSLEY STATE PASS EXIM, OPIC AND USTR TREASURY FOR OASIA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP EINV ELAB ETRD KSEP SENV RP SUBJECT: DUE DILIGENCE FOR DOLE NOMINATION FOR CORPORATE EXCELLENCE AWARD REF: STATE 84836 ¶1. Post is pleased to learn that Dole Philippines, Inc. is on the short list for the Secretary's 2008 Award for Corporate Excellence and submits the following: There is no pending litigation against Dole and Mission members involved in Dole's nomination do not have financial interest in the company. ¶2. It should be noted that Dole is unionized with three separate labor organizations, including the leftist militant Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME). In 2006, KME threatened a strike over the use of contract workers and Dole threatened a lock-out. Collective bargaining successfully resolved the issue. Collective bargaining with Dole and its unions is again scheduled for later this year, and labor practice issues may again be raised by KME. KENNEY