Colombia

Colombia is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a trade unionist. More than 3,000 trade unionists have been murdered there since 1989, mostly by right-wing paramilitaries in collusion with security forces. Other violations of workers' human rights include threats, displacement, militarisation of workplaces, declaration of strikes as illegal and arbitrary detention of trade unionists.

The TUC has strong relationships with Colombia’s three trade union confederations: the ICFTU-affiliated Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia (CTC) and the non-affiliated [name] CUT, in particular are in close and regular contact. We work closely with Justice for Colombia (JfC), encouraging British and Colombian trade unions to develop links. Many British union organisations now support Colombian trade unions, helping to build their capacity to organise and defend their members' interests.

The TUC is also active in ILO attempts to put pressure on the Colombian Government to end violations of human and union rights.
Learn more about Justice for Colombia. www.justiceforcolombia.org/


The most recent documents available on this subject are:

TUC protest at multiple death threats in Colombia

The TUC General Secretary has written to the Colombian President to call for action against the authors of death threats sent to 92 organisations, union, political and social leaders. She also calls for protection for individuals to be increased.

19 April 2013
TUC protest re latest attack in Colombia

The TUC General Secretary has written to the Colombian ambassador to protest about the recent assassination attempt against the President of the CTC, one of Colombia's main trade union federations. The attack marks a worrying deterioration in the alr...

26 February 2013
International Women's Day 8th March 2013 – Women, Human Rights and the Globalisation of Resistance

Come along for a rousing experience on International Women's Day to hear out guests' stories of resistance and hope, to celebrate the role of women in the global struggle, and to listen to some great live music and performance poetry. Guest Speake...

31 January 2013
Safety fears for Colombian trade unionists Igor Diaz Lopez and Aldo Raul Amaya Daza

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady has written to the Colombian Ambassador Mauricio Rodriguez to express the TUC's concern over the safety of Igor Diaz and Aldo Raul Amaya Daza from the union SINTRACARBON and their families.

25 January 2013
Letter to the Colombian Embassy in protest of death threats in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

On behalf of the TUC, British workers and the 6.1 million members of the TUC's affiliated unions Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, has written a letter to the Ambassador of the Colombian Embassy to protest about further death threats made agains...

18 December 2012
European free trade agreement with Colombia is bad news, says TUC

The TUC has expressed deep regret at the decision taken today (Tuesday) by the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament to support an EU/Colombia free trade agreement.

27 November 2012



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