Sun, 18 May 2025

Sun, 18 May 2025 The world's most dangerous country for trade unionists

More trade union members are murdered in the South American nation than anywhere else.
According to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), 11 out of 22 murders of trade unionists globally between March 2022 and March 2023 occurred in Colombia. Fabio Arias, head of Colombia's largest trade union federation, CUT, blames right-wing governments for labeling left-wing groups as terrorists and justifying attacks on them. Trade unionist Jesús Cometa was shot at while driving through the Cauca Valley last year but escaped uninjured. His bodyguard, however, was hit in the chest, still carrying a lodged bullet. Experts point to Colombia's illegal economies, including cocaine trade and mining, as contributing factors to the violence. Some claim that businesses pay armed groups to carry out attacks on workers, particularly during wage negotiations. Local representatives from Sintrainagro union say threats are not limited to the sugar industry but affect street traders in Cali as well. Jimmy Núñez, leader of a union representing street traders, has been attacked multiple times, with his colleague killed and his wife injured. The government claims it is taking steps to protect trade unionists, including formally recognizing them as victims of conflict in 2023, allowing for better investigation of cases. However, foreign companies operating in Colombia are criticized for their role in the violence and urged to step up efforts to prevent attacks on workers.
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