Colombia: Carrefour and the brand new UTCC union sign their first wage agreement

Result of an international framework agreement.  UNI Global, the international federation, said this agreement was “historic.”  “We hope this marks the start of a new era for trade union freedom in Colombia, which is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a trade unionist” said UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings. UNI spokesperson Rachel Cohen indeed says that violence, threats, bullying and layoffs against employees willing to organize are common in Colombia.  At the international federation’s headquarters in Switzerland, they explain that 2,800 unionists have been killed in Colombia in 20 years.  UNI’s representatives, tied to Carrefour’s management by a transnational company agreement, have been trying to organize the 12,000 employees of the group (72 superstores) since 2011 and have helped setting up UTCC.  In November 2011, a Forum was organized in Bogotá with representatives from Carrefour management and UNI and laid down the foundation for the creation of the young UTCC union (4,000 members, see our dispatch No.  110769).  Then, in March, the union representatives elected in February launched wage negotiations with the management.  A special correspondent from France’ FO union and a leader from UNI Americas attended the first meetings.