C 1.5. How has the sugar and ethanol industry evolved in terms of its capital-labor relations?
There has been a constant, significant evolution in this regard. Free negotiation has assured workers several benefits over the last decades the highlights of which being medical care, dental care, hearing care and pharmaceutical aid, life insurance, meals, staples baskets (foods that meet minimum nutritional guidelines set by the government), food tickets, transportation allowances, private pension plans, disability compensation, funeral grants, school allowances, breakfast, Christmas food baskets, agreements with supermarkets, loans, subsidized sales, and access to credit cooperatives. At the same time the production units have always cared about the personal development and professional qualification of their workers. Investments in technological and behavioral training programs and incentives to continue or resume studies are give priority in the process of growing up and improving as a professional.
