On an AFL-CIO Solidarity Center-sponsored exchange visit, Florida AFL-CIO Vice-President Mike Williams learned about Colombian workers’ constant struggle for social and economic justice – and why US workers need to hear their story.
In July 2008, as part of a Solidarity Center exchange programme, a six-member labour delegation made a weeklong visit to workers and labour leaders in Colombia.
The purpose of the trip was to build a greater understanding of the struggles and challenges that Colombian workers face in their daily lives.
The nation has a history of human rights violations, violence and intimidation against worker activists.
The delegation consisted of Williams, who also is president of the Florida State Building and Construction Trades Council; Bill Camp, executive secretary, Sacramento Central Labor Council; Nancy Hall, president, Dallas AFL-CIO Council; Tim Baker, deputy director, National Safety Department, Mine Workers; Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer, California Labor Federation; and George Landers, vice president, Executive Council, California Labor Federation.
Accompanying them were Solidarity Center Country Programme Director Rhett Doumitt and Solidarity Center Senior Programme Officer Samantha Tate.
Williams kept daily log of his experiences. Featured here are his accounts of day 3, July 22 and Day 7, July 26:
‘Day 3 – We caught an early flight to Valledupar, which is in the northeast of Colombia near Venezuela.
‘Upon our landing, I knew we were in coal country as there were two huge blocks of coal placed strategically at the arrival gate.
‘We met our new driver and were driven to a mineworkers meeting hall. Hundreds of workers were milling around the outside of the building.
‘The miners walked off their jobs a week ago. In unanimous solidarity, over 3,000 miners shut the mine operations down.
‘Through our interpreters, I talked with miners about their working conditions.
‘One miner said, “We are treated like pieces of coal, shipped in – shipped out, not as human beings.”
‘The individual stories of injuries, indiscriminate discipline, and worksite conditions were continuous. The workers were eager to share their stories.
‘After an hour or so, excitement filled the air as miners began to move into the meeting hall upon the arrival of their leaders.
‘Our Solidarity Center group was asked to sit on the stage with the leaders. I was asked to say a few words to the packed hall.
‘Very briefly, I congratulated them on their unity and assured them that workers in the United States were standing with them in solidarity.
‘One of our group, Tim Baker (a coal miner), spoke to them more specifically about issues. The union leaders reported on negotiations.
‘Chants of unity, bursts of enthusiasm and confidence erupted from the hundreds of miners throughout the report.
‘As it turns out, the report was the result of negotiations for ratification or rejection by the workers. The miners voted to accept and we witnessed a huge gain on many issues for mine workers in Colombia.
‘With many goodbyes, hugs, and handshakes, we boarded our van and headed south.
‘Many miles down the road we pulled over at a desolate dirt road intersection. The dirt road led to a mine entrance.
‘A large fallen tree trunk marked the location where a union leader was murdered.
‘The paramilitary had stopped a van full of miners on the way to work. They dragged the leader out of the van and put a bullet in his head as the other workers watched.
‘They then placed his body at the fallen tree trunk and warned the workers not to move or disturb the body.
‘The miner’s body was displayed as a warning to all of the workers who must pass by to go to work.
Standing at that site as we were told the story was very moving.
‘Still travelling, we stopped at a mine entrance and were enthusiastically welcomed by hundreds of miners picketing the company outside the gates.
‘We spoke with many workers one on one and heard of many violations of basic worker rights.
‘We were also told how 50 to 60 children beg at the gates every morning. These are the children of fishermen and farmers where the rivers and land have been contaminated by mining activities—contaminated such that fish do not live and crops do not grow.
‘These miners wrapped their arms around us and accepted us as part of their family. I was humbled by their solidarity and perseverance.
‘More miles of travel brought us to the small town of Chiriguana, which will be our base of operations for the next few days. . .
‘Day 7 – After checking in late last evening, we travelled to a local restaurant and I had shrimp and fish stew. Sitting at a nearby table were our driver and the two bodyguards who are now constantly with us.
‘The bodyguards remain at arm’s length while always being watchful and aware of all activities surrounding our presence.
‘As we are now in a region where the paramilitary is very active, the union has taken the responsibility of ensuring our safety.
‘This morning we met for breakfast prior to departing for our meeting. A live mariachi band was entertaining a large group of diners; it turns out the occasion was a first communion. Guitars with breakfast – it doesn’t get any better!
‘When we walked out of the hotel, our van was at the front door ready for our departure. As we started to board, our guide diverted us down the sidewalk for a short walk to a dock.
‘We boarded a 14-passenger vessel and motored for about 45 minutes on the Magdalena River, which parallels the majestic high peaks of the San Lucas Mountains.
‘I was told the highway route was not safe for our travel.
‘We arrived in the community of Puerto Wilchea and loaded into several three-passenger moped open-air taxis. After a short ride, we arrived at a union meeting hall and met with workers from palm oil, health care, education, and agriculture.
‘Again, we were told over and over about the abuses of worker and human rights.
‘A palm oil worker, Juan, told the story of how he was chosen by his fellow workers this past February to present the company a 12-point proposal for better working conditions and pay.
‘These co-op workers are not union and the company refused to talk with them.
‘The workers walked away from the fields and left the palm trees without harvest and with the nuts containing the valuable oil still hanging from the tops.
‘The company still refused to talk. The strike spread to other palm oil plantations. There are over 100 plantations in the region and 90 percent of palm oil production was shut down.
‘These workers and their families are integral to the fabric of society in the communities of the region. Community organisations formed civic strikes in support.
‘Shops and businesses did not open, in solidarity with the workers. Entire communities of the region literally barricaded themselves closed in unity with the workers.
‘The government sent in tanks and troops to break the will of the workers and communities.
‘In the face of intimidation, threats, and arrests they stood firm, and the companies were forced into negotiations. The workers succeeded in making some gains.
‘Because of the co-op contracts, these workers are classified as members, not employees protected by labour laws.
‘As the meeting ended, I put my arm around Juan, shook his hand, and told him how honoured I was to have spent time with him.
‘Leaving the meeting hall, I was told, “Do not forget Juan’s face. He now has a death sentence placed upon him that eventually will be carried out!” I am learning that in Colombia, every gain for worker rights is not achieved without the payment of the ultimate price.
‘Before the day ended, I had a conversation with one of our oil worker union guides.
‘During the last contract negotiations, the company pulled 40 union leaders from their job locations.
They were placed in a re-education programme regarding their union activities that also kept them away from the workforce.
‘For a full year and while being paid their normal wages, they were forced to attend brainwashing seminars. I am told that it did not work.
‘After negotiations were completed, they are back on the job with increased dedication to the movement.
‘Every leader of the Oil Workers Union carries the Bargained Agreement with them at all times.
‘I was told, “This agreement was printed with the blood of over 100 members killed standing up for our rights. It is our Bible!”
‘Good night and until next time.’