The decision to withdraw the chapter on union freedoms in the labor reform in Colombia puts at risk the fulfillment of international commitments and affects the rights of workers, according to the labor confederations.
The main labor confederations of Colombia, the Confederation of Colombian Workers (CTC), the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and the Unitary Central of Workers of Colombia (CUT), have expressed their deep concern after the collapse of a chapter related to union freedoms in the labor reform.
This event, which occurred on June 13, puts at risk the fulfillment of international commitments and affects the rights of Colombian workers.
The sunk chapter contained crucial provisions for the protection of unions’ right to association, negotiation and strike, rights that are in line with international recommendations.
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According to the presidents of the three labor confederations, these rights are part of a set of recommendations from the OECD Commission on Labor and Social Affairs, as well as the labor departments of the United States and Canada. These labor and union standards are necessary to comply with the free trade agreements signed with these countries.
Breach of international commitments
In a joint statement, the labor confederations expressed that the elimination of these chapters implies a renunciation of Colombia’s international commitments, commitments that had been established as part of the modernization of labor relations in the country.
This non-compliance not only affects Colombia’s image internationally, but also threatens democracy and workers’ rights.
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Trade union organizations suspect that behind the collapse of this chapter there are interests of sectors and political parties that oppose social reforms and the “democratic transition process” promoted by the current government.
They argue that this action favors a select group of big businessmen, oligarchs and privileged political parties, to the detriment of the majority of citizens, including workers and their union organizations.
“Colombia is not a country only for the privileged of the big business community, the mega-rich and some oligarchic parties, it is also for the majority of ordinary citizens, among whom are the workers and their union organizations,” declared the labor centrals in their statement.
They call on society and the government to reconsider the decision and reinstate the chapters that protect union freedoms in the labor reform.
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The labor confederations emphasize the importance of maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with the government to ensure that the labor reform contemplates the rights of workers and complies with international standards.
They demand that the commitments made be respected and measures be implemented that strengthen democracy and fair labor relations in Colombia.
With information from Colpresa.
