14 February, 2011
The ICEM applauds the unity and successful coordination of Colombian trade unions, in the launch of a new daily radio programme for workers, called "Contacto Social." Included in the grouping of 12 unions were ICEM affiliates Sintraelecol and USO. The process was supported locally by ICEM’s country coordinator Carlos Bustos.
The daily programme has now been broadcasting since 1 February, Monday to Friday, in the areas around Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Meta, and Tolima, and is also available globally online. The organizers of the project plan to expand its reach in the future and become a major media tool in Colombia, communicating views to workers, and supplying an outlet to those whose voices cannot otherwise be heard.
Trade unionists and supporters are encouraged to call and join the on-air debate at +57 4176970
One story that was reported today on "Contacto Social" is the Colombian national Labour center CUT organising a workers' picket at the office of the Vice President, ahead of a high-level meeting with the ILO.
Unions in the South American country demand that Colombia be re-added to the list of countries evaluated by the ILO's Committee of Experts. CUT President Tarsicio Mora decried the continuing dangers facing trade unionists in Colombia, where 46 were murdered in 2010 and three so far this year. There are currently over 40 labour disputes ongoing, many caused by the erosion of labour rights and working conditions by employers.
Listen to the daily radio programme of Colombian workers here.
See more on the ICEM Colombia website.