Teresia Makau starts work at Del Monte Kenya before sunrise, wearing full protective gear. She heads to the labeling section, where machines run from 6 a.m. through three shifts around the clock. After 12 years with the company, she enjoys fair pay and benefits like three months paid maternity leave. The company also gives nursing mothers breaks to feed their babies during work hours.
Del Monte supports more than 7,700 workers across three counties, with women making up 36 percent of the staff. Almost everyone comes from Kenya, with very few foreign workers filling specialized roles. The company trains employees extensively and tries to promote from inside rather than hiring outsiders. Workers sign agreements every two years that set rules for wages, hours, and treatment.
Union leader Francis Mwangangi represents farm workers and helps solve problems between staff and managers. His counterpart, Meshack Owino, handles similar duties for factory employees. Both men say the company respects worker rights and pays salaries on time. Del Monte also runs six health clinics, schools for children, and has created kitchen gardens where employees grow vegetables at home.
Del Monte supports more than 7,700 workers across three counties, with women making up 36 percent of the staff. Almost everyone comes from Kenya, with very few foreign workers filling specialized roles. The company trains employees extensively and tries to promote from inside rather than hiring outsiders. Workers sign agreements every two years that set rules for wages, hours, and treatment.
Union leader Francis Mwangangi represents farm workers and helps solve problems between staff and managers. His counterpart, Meshack Owino, handles similar duties for factory employees. Both men say the company respects worker rights and pays salaries on time. Del Monte also runs six health clinics, schools for children, and has created kitchen gardens where employees grow vegetables at home.
