VZCZCXYZ0011
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHML #1964 2320638
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 190638Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1639
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