Workers at Costa Rica's Banana Development Corporation (Bandeco) are in their 22nd day of striking over employment conditions, website Impacto.mx reported.

The left-wing Frente Amplio party claims Bandeco, a subsidiary of Del Monte, has refused to meet employees to discuss their concerns.

Bandeco denies they have turned down talks with the strikers.

Employees are claiming Bandeco is introducing a new organizational method called 'el combo' where a worker would have several functions previously performed by more than one person.

They also claim the company has failed to pay them overtime and refuses to recognize union membership.

The strike is affecting plantations in Sixaola, Limón, near the Panamá border.

The majority of the 600 strikers are of the indigenous group Guaymi people who political activists describe as "the most humble people" in Costa Rican society.

The centre-left Partido Acción Ciudadana and trade union leaders have criticized the government's Ministry of Labor for its inaction in helping to resolve the dispute.

Related stories: Costa Rica: Del Monte banana workers strike for more pay

Photo: Impacto.mex

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