Canadian labour leaders warn Colombians of free trade danger

'It will only exacerbate an already horrifying list of human and labour rights abuses.'

Bogota, Colombia (28 July 2008) - Free trade with Colombia will lead to worse human and labour rights abuses and further devastation of communities at risk, four of Canada’s public sector leaders said at a news conference in Bogota, capping a week-long tour.

This is the statement the leaders made to Colombian reporters following a meeting with leaders of the United Central of Workers (CUT), one of three central Colombian labour bodies:

“We have met with many sectors of Colombian society, including government officials, the United Central of Workers (CUT) and other trade unions, opposition leaders, non-governmental organizations, groups representing indigenous and Afro-Colombian peoples as well as the Canadian ambassador.

“We also were present to hear the final report of the Permanent People’s Tribunal following two years of hearings in six sectors of the Colombian economy. The report condemned the Colombian government and transnational corporations for countless violations of human and trade union rights.

“Our overwhelming conclusion is that a free trade agreement will not help the Colombian people. It will only exacerbate an already horrifying list of human and labour rights abuses that are shocking the world.

“Colombia continues to be the most dangerous country on earth for trade unions and civil society activists. Since the beginning of 2008, 32 trade unionists have been assassinated. We have also observed that Colombia has no juridical framework that permits free collective bargaining.

“On our return to Canada, we will tell our one million members, our government and all Canadians that it is unacceptable to sign a free trade agreement with Colombia as long as trade unionists are at risk and free collective bargaining and other labour and human rights continue to be violated.”

The statement was signed by Denis Lemelin, national president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), Paul Moist, national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), John Gordon, national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and George Heyman, international vice-president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). NUPGE