Colombia: Condemn death threats against leaders of the education union

 

In the three decades until 2016, Colombian trade unions report that 990 of their members were murdered. Another 3,000 were threatened with assassination.

And despite the peace process in the country, such threats against trade unionists continue.

On 26 October, death threats were sent to all 15 members of the Executive Committee of FECODE, the Colombian Federation of Education Workers, as well as to the President of the Trade Union Confederation CUT.

The threats took the form of a funeral wreath with the words 'rest in peace'.

Sixteen candles and 16 obituary notices with the name of each targeted union leader were also delivered to the home of Carlos Rivas, FECODE's Secretary for legal affairs.

The threats come in the aftermath of national actions led by trade unions over the social, health, education and economic crisis in the country.

FECODE is also leading an initiative to promote schools as 'zones of peace' through community dialogues.

Enough is enough.

FECODE and the Education International have launched a major new online campaign on LabourStart demanding that the Colombian authorities act to ensure immediate protection measures for the entire FECODE leadership, and for all union and social leaders and activists.

Those trade unionists must be allow to exercise their right to express opinions, to demonstrate and to organise to defend the public education system.

Please take a moment to show your support for this campaign - click here.

Thank you!

Eric Lee