Colombia’s largest trade union federation, the CUT, has ‘declared itself in opposition’ to the incoming ‘fascist and neoliberal’ government of far-right president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.
In a strongly worded statement issued on 23 June, the CUT states the ‘future administration will be characterised by open, unashamed and unacceptable US interference in our country’s internal affairs.’
The CUT’s criticism follows evidence of US meddling in the election, from Donald Trump and his political allies openly backing De la Espriella to suspicions that the US-based company that manages voting software allowed unregistered changes to be made. De la Espriella also swiftly announced Colombia would be a loyal ally of the US and would join Trump’s Shield of the Americas grouping of conservative and far-right governments in the Americas.
The federation also highlighted concerns over De la Espriella’s open hostility to opponents and the political left, citing the murders of 7,837 people by the Colombian military, mainly during the government of Álvaro Uribe in the 2000s. The new government will be ‘marked by a policy of stigmatisation and open persecution against those who oppose its positions and decisions,’ said the CUT. This includes ‘trade unions, FECODE [the main teachers’ federation], journalists and other social and political sectors.’
Colombia continues to see high levels of violence against social activists and trade unionists, amid serious concerns state-sanctioned attacks could escalate amid impunity. While conflict violence has continued to impact various regions during the Petro years, human rights violations by army and police personnel have declined sharply as they are no longer guaranteed impunity.
The election result will likely also see major efforts to roll back the rights gained by the trade union and social movement. The CUT warned this will ‘deepen the privatisation of state entities and services linked to fundamental rights, the erosion of job security and the elimination of democratic rights and guarantees for various sectors.’
Under Petro, worker rights have improved signifcantly with the passing of the labour reform bill. This regulates the informal and gig economy sectors, providing important rights to workers there. It also extends overtime pay for night and weekend work, outlaws workplace discrimination, strengthens contracts and makes it harder for employers to dismiss their workers. Additionally, in January this year, the government raised the minimum wage by an unprecedented 23 per cent. Right-wing opponents have since challenged the increase in the courts.
The CUT has been a strong support of Petro’s Historic Pact government and its defeated candidate in the recent election, Iván Cepeda. It said it planned ‘to work jointly with other political, social, trade union, and grassroots forces to build a “Broad Front for Life” capable of coordinating efforts and strengthening the defence of peace, dignified life, democracy and national sovereignty.’