News

UNI Global Union Colombian affiliates SINTRASALUDCOL and SINTRACIHOBI, both in the Care Sector, were awarded the Freedom from Fear Award after facing down death threats. The awards were received by Eric Amador from SINTRASALUDCOL and Olinda Garcia from SINTRACIHOBI.

Mr. Amador said, “It hasn’t been easy and still isn’t easy to do trade union work in Colombia. We have been threatened by armed groups because of what we are doing at a national level. For me and the president of our union, it is difficult to leave our home, we have to leave with security escorts. Not only do we receive threats but also our families are threatened as well.”

Still Mr. Amador continues his fight for workers’ rights.

Ms. Garcia accepted the award by saying, “Our organization has grown and become strong because three years ago we were recognized as workers. We have been caring for young children for the 30 years, and the state denied our rights as workers. The government did not help us, and now that we are union, they do.”