The Perilous Path of Trade Unionism in Colombia

In the heart of Colombia, a perilous battle for workers’ rights unfolds, where the very act of unionizing can place lives in jeopardy. Jesus Cometa, a trade unionist from the Cauca Valley, epitomizes this struggle. Last July, while driving through this green expanse of the country, he narrowly escaped a lethal attack—gunmen on motorbikes riddled his car with bullets. Though he emerged unscathed, his bodyguard was not so fortunate, suffering from a bullet lodged in his chest.

A Dangerous Landscape for Unionists

Colombia has steadily gained notoriety as one of the world’s most hazardous countries for organized labor. The statistics tell a grim tale: over 3,000 trade unionists have reportedly been murdered since the early 1970s. Even as Colombia moves toward a more peaceful era, the threats persist, turning union activism into an act of considerable bravery.

“Here in the Cauca Valley, when you take on roles within the union, you lose your social life,” Cometa explains. “You can’t relax in public spaces because you never know when an ambush might occur.” These words reveal the toll these threats take on not just the unionists but also their families, who live in constant fear.

Historical Context

The roots of this violence stretch deep into Colombia’s history. Gabriel García Márquez’s renowned novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude, sheds light on the grim realities of labor exploitation during the banana plantation massacres of the 1920s. Such historical shadows loom large, with the current landscape marked by both old grievances and new challenges.

Luc Triangle, general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), notes that Colombia has long been the world’s deadliest country for trade unionists. In the ITUC’s most recent report, out of 22 trade unionists killed globally in just one year, 11 were victims in Colombia—an alarming figure that underscores the precarious status of labor rights activism in the nation.

The Dynamics of Violence

The motivations behind these acts of violence are complex. A long-standing civil conflict involving left-wing rebels and right-wing paramilitaries has cast a long shadow on the trade union movement. Fabio Arias, head of the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), Colombia’s largest trade union federation, highlights that unions are often linked to leftist ideologies, marking them as targets for right-wing factions that view such affiliations as a threat.

“Those in power have perpetuated the idea that anyone who is leftist is a guerrilla or a terrorist,” explains Arias. This perspective justifies attacks on activists, making it easier for aggressors to operate with relative impunity.

Moreover, the connection between violence and Colombia’s illegal economies, particularly the cocaine trade and unlawful mining, cannot be overstated. Regions such as Cauca and Nariño, where coca plantations flourish, witness a heightened incidence of attacks—a grim reality that intertwines economic interests with violence.

Uncertain Accountability

Determining the true orchestrators of these attacks remains a considerable challenge. Many unionists suspect private sector involvement, suggesting that businesses may financially back these armed groups to stifle unionization efforts. The connection between violent threats and wage negotiations often raises alarm bells among activists, as such attacks tend to surge during these critical discussions.

Zenón Escobar, another local union representative, articulates the uncertainty that prevails: “In the Cauca Valley, there are myriad armed groups, complicating our understanding of who is behind the violence.” This ambiguity adds another layer of fear, making it difficult for union activists to navigate their daily lives.

Government Response

Despite these pervasive threats, the Colombian government has begun to take steps toward improving security for trade unionists. Under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, known for his left-wing stance, there have been significant moves to acknowledge the plight of labor activists. In 2023, the government formally recognized the trade union movement as victims of the ongoing conflict—an important step toward facilitating the investigation of violence against them.

“We see this as an important acknowledgment of the violence against trade unionists in Colombia,” Triangle asserts.

The Role of Multinational Corporations

However, accountability does not rest solely with the Colombian government. Triangle emphasizes that foreign companies operating in the country hold a critical responsibility to advocate for worker rights. “Global corporations cannot maintain a facade of ethical conduct while remaining silent as trade unionists are murdered,” he stresses.

This plea for corporate responsibility highlights the need for multinational companies to reflect on their operations in Colombia, especially as they navigate complex labor environments where violence looms large.

As unionists like Cometa and Escobar continue their brave fight for workers’ rights, the struggle persists in the face of numerous challenges, both historical and contemporary. The ongoing narrative of trade unionism in Colombia paints a vivid picture of bravery, resilience, and the sheer determination to advocate for justice amid constant threats.