National Union condemns murder and violent attacks in Colombia and demands end to violence

Responding to recent attack of Óscar Arturo Orozco, President of the Caldas branch of the Confederación Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), and the murder of Ever Luis Marín Rolong, a regional leader of the SINALTRACEBA brewery workers union.

Ottawa (17 Jan. 2014) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is urging the President of Colombia to act to end the violence against trade union leaders in his country.

James Clancy, National President of NUPGE, raised the issue of the ongoing violence and attacks in a letter to Colombian President Santos.

"It saddens me to be once again writing to you to raise concerns from the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), one of Canada's largest trade unions, over the ongoing attacks and threats against trade union leaders in your country." wrote Clancy.

Two murders and an assault within past three months

"In particular, I want to address the recent attack of Óscar Arturo Orozco, President of the Caldas branch of the Confederación Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), and the murder of Ever Luis Marín Rolong, a regional leader of the SINALTRACEBA brewery workers union:

Óscar Arturo Orozco is currently in hospital, in serious condition, following a brutal attack on him while he was attending a peaceful demonstration on January 10, 2014. This is the fourth attack on Oscar Orozco's life, who is being persecuted by the security and justice agencies of Colombia and, in particular, by the Attorney General's Office.
Ever Luis Marín Rolong was murdered on January 4, 2014, by unknown gunmen who fired six times at him, as he was waiting for a bus in the town of Soledad."

Clancy further points out that the union wrote to Santos recently regarding the murder of Oscar López Triviño, who worked for Nestlé, on November 9, 2013.

Colombian government must act to end the violence

Clancy urges Santos to act on the concerns raised by the world's trade union movement and human rights organizations.

"My union, and countless other unions, have repeatedly written you and your government condemning the continued use of threats, attacks, and violence against trade unionists and other social activists in Colombia. These acts, and the lack of a satisfactory response from Colombian authorities, are unacceptable.

Your government must act to end the violence and restore respect for labour rights in your country."

More information:

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE