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 7—After checking in late last evening, we traveled 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 [oil workers] 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 Wilches 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 with 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 unharvested, 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 more than 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 organizations 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 labor laws.
As the meeting ended, I put my arm around Juan, shook his hand, and told him how honored 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 workers union [USO] guides. During the last contract negotiations, the company pulled 40 union leaders from their job locations. They were placed in a re-education program 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 completion of negotiations, they are back on the job with increased dedication to the movement. Every USO leader carries the Collective Bargaining Agreement with him 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.
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 5, July 24: Meeting the “Forgotten” Workers
Day 6, July 25: “For Union Workers, Our Government Has Abandoned Us!”
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
