Army, police called to quell central Colombia labor riots

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Colombia Reports

Army, police called to quell central Colombia labor riots
Tuesday, 19 July 2011 14:11
Stephen Manker

President Juan Manuel Santos called on the Colombia's army general and national police director to help with petroleum company labor riots in the central department of Meta.

Protests began last month when laborers from contracting firm Montajes JM, who work with Spanish multinational CEPCOLSA, went on strike.

~snip~
The tipping point for the riots was after Colombia's Vice President Angelino Garzon, along with the department of Meta's governor and petroleum companies were unable to reach an agreement with the labor unions. The town of Puerto Gaitan broke out in riots, wounding four people, and destroying various vehicles and buildings.

Some local news sources and labor unions speculate that one of the protesters might have been killed in the riots.

Read more: http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/17749-army-police-called-to-quell-central-colombia-labor-riots.html

[tcaudilllg]

1. Kill Santos and take what's yours, Columbia!

[Judi Lynn]

2. Machinists Union Slideshow Exposes Horrific Truths Behind Colombia Free Trade

July 20, 2011 03:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Machinists Union Slideshow Exposes Horrific Truths Behind Colombia Free Trade

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To reveal atrocities surrounding the Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) now under Congressional debate, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today released a slideshow exposing Colombia’s heinous treatment of its workers and trade unionists.

The disturbing images are part of the IAM’s Facebook ad campaign to educate the public on the shortcomings of the South Korea, Colombia and Panama FTAs and the substantial damage they will do to American workers.

“Colombia continues to be one of the most corrupt and volatile governments of the world and the most dangerous place to be a trade unionist,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. “Over 2,850 trade unionists have been slain in the streets of Colombia in the last 25 years. Last year, 51 trade workers were murdered. Seventeen so far this year. The Colombian government has yet to take action in most of these cases.

“The IAM is committed to fighting for a new model of trade agreements – one that is based on fairness and that makes workers and the communities in which they live the priority. Until Colombia adopts, maintains and enforces labor laws that comply with the International Labour Organization’s core labor standards, no trade agreement with Colombia should be considered.”

More:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110720006860/en/Machinists-Union-Slideshow-Exposes-Horrific-Truths-Colombia