Some time ago, the Anglo-Dutch multinational corporation—which will turn 28 in Ecuador this year—decided to create a solidarist organization, that is, a multi-class and de-proletarianized space, à la Costa Rica. This union-bashing antidote was christened Association of Unilever Andina Employers (ASEUL).

At Rel UITA (IUF Latin America), we defined it as the “Friends of Unilever Club,” which deploys a sophisticated dynamics of anti-union advocacy.

The multinational corporation uses this space to portray the existence of a friendly environment in which labor harmony and social peace prevail.

One can just picture the slogans of this corporatist catechesis and cheerleading: “We’re Team Unilever”; “We’re family”; “Welcome to this Kingdom, peace be upon you…” Something along those lines.

That quasi-evangelic facade masks an organizational option aimed at absorbing labor demands.

In the 1990s, Gustavo Blanco, an esteemed Costa Rican sociologist and director of ASEPROLA,* defined it as follows: “Solidarism or trade unions visited upon by corporations”.

According to Blanco, the aim is clear: “Convincing the working class to accept as its own the business conception of social peace (class harmony over class struggle), justice (orderly concession over demands), labor peace (negotiation over pressuring actions), and development (increased productivity and savings over labor gains)».

In Ecuador, in order for a collective bargaining agreement to be negotiated it needs to be backed by 50 percent plus one of the workers on the company payroll.

There are three unions in the company. The reasons for this dispersion are many. ASEUL has a significant share of the blame in this, through its use of its political influence and powers of manipulation.

It operates as an ideological power plant that also coerces and threatens “bent workers” who choose to join the ranks of labor.

Despite the unremitting brain-washing sessions and the marketing gimmicks aimed at stifling class interests, the dissatisfaction among workers is evident, especially after the recent announcement that 7,500 jobs would be cut in the ice-cream production area, with which Unilever seeks to save some 800 million dollars.

Ecuador is obviously on the global “chainsaw” list.

These layoffs come after the 85 workers, including five union leaders, who were dismissed without prior notice in November 2022.

Unilever has now come up with a spectral idea: transforming ASEUL into CETUL, a company workers’ committee.

“Did you know that you have the right to be part of a committee that represents and protects your labor rights? CETUL is here for you. Join now! This committee is your voice for negotiating better working conditions and defending your rights. Your participation is key. We’re counting on you!” This is the message that can be read on flyers distributed everywhere.

Now workers can sleep soundly, knowing CETUL is there to defend them. A Marvel superhero at the service of the proletariat and decent work, based in London.

The audacity of these people knows no bounds. It is the cat saying it will defend the mouse it has already swallowed and is lying dead in its stomach.