As part of a six-member Solidarity Center delegation, Florida State AFL-CIO Vice President Mike Williams learned about Colombian workers’ constant struggle for social and economic justice—and why U.S workers need to hear their story.
Day 5—Dawn broke about 6:00 a.m. and found me awake and reading. I sorted out my dirty clothes in hopes of finding a local person who does laundry. We met in the hotel dining room for breakfast about 8:00 a.m. Our new interpreter, Jenna, joined us yesterday afternoon and is now part of the delegation. Samantha talked to the hotel staff; they have someone who does laundry.
As soon as breakfast was finished, we departed for the union hall, not far from the hotel. We met with mineworkers who were injured on the job and have not gone back to work. Canes, braces, scars, wounds, and paralyzed limbs were visible as we spoke with the workers. The miners injured on the job are bounced around among medical providers. The company has control of all facets of their care. As an example, the company medical officer contacts doctors who treat injured workers. The officer will make sure that the injured worker does not receive a disability determination that would allow for continuous compensation or that would require a job transfer. There are specific timelines abused by the company to terminate an injured worker’s employment. We spoke to dozens of forgotten workers whose job-related injuries have placed them in a never-ending circle of seeking treatment, seeking job transfers, and battling the system. Sound familiar? Every worker spoke with dignity and mutual compassion for one another. Many sincere thanks were given to us for visiting and having concern for their struggles.
Piece by piece, we are beginning to identify the complex issues regarding the struggle of Colombian workers. The Colombian government is not a friend of labor. There are laws and agencies that exist to protect worker rights. The lack of enforcement and accountability renders such worker protections non-existent. Co-operatives are taking the place of companies as a worker’s classification is changed from a company employee to a co-op member. Current interpretations of Colombian law by the labor ministries does not provide co-op workers with labor law protection as they are considered members and not employees. When a co-op worker attempts to join or form a union, the worker is fired without the labor law protections provided to workers classified as employees. Colombian lawmakers directly or indirectly own co-ops for which they make the laws. The paramilitary is connected to the government, big companies, and co-ops. Relentless intimidation, threats, and violence are used in attempts to eliminate the perseverance that is critical to those striving for worker rights.
Having spent a few days with our delegation, let me introduce them. Rhett is the field representative of the Andean office of the Solidarity Center. Rhett is coordinating our activities with the appropriate people and transportation. He has been exceptional in making sure that we meet and talk with workers and their leaders whose conversations maximize the purpose of our trip. He is a very thoughtful individual with a hidden sense of humor that surfaces occasionally. Samantha works out of the D.C. Solidarity Center office. She has been key in working with Rhett and the delegation regarding the trip coordination, serving as an interpreter, sharing information, and answering our questions. She has a bubbling personality with a quick wit.
Nancy is a CWA [Communications Workers of America] member and president of the Dallas AFL-CIO Council. She has ensured that conversations and information include issues associated with female workers: pregnancy considerations, child care needs, family impacts, and health and safety. She is not quick to talk, but when she does, there is a reason. Tim is a mineworker representative originally from the mines of Pennsylvania and now working in the national office. His knowledge of the industry is invaluable as we speak to workers from the coal mines. Quick to laugh, he could be one of our Building Trades workers. Bill is the executive director of the Sacramento AFL-CIO. He has political relationships that can assist in applying pressure associated with the Free Trade Agreement. A great communicator, he has gotten several ovations from workers we visit. Our newest member of just one day is Jenna, our interpreter. She is serious and knowledgeable regarding worker and human rights in Colombia. I believe she is going to fit right in.
We ended the day with a Colombian rum and juice drink. We have a 6:30 a.m. departure tomorrow.
Click on the links below to read the rest of the daily logs:
Day 1, July 20: The Journey Begins
Day 2, July 21: We Meet True Worker and Human Rights Champions
Day 3, July 22: Colombian Miners: “We Are Treated Like Pieces of Coal”
Day 4, July 23: “What Can We Do that Has Some Meaning?”
Day 6, July 25: “For Union Workers, Our Government Has Abandoned Us!”
Day 7, July 26: Worker Solidarity: “Do Not Forget Juan’s Face!”
Day 8, July 27: “The Most Beautiful Place in the World”
Day 9, July 28: An Informative Political Briefing
Day 10, July 29: “The Circle of Death” and Other Issues
Day 11, July 30: A Not-So-Sweet Homecoming
