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On the 4th and 6th of March, 2015, UNI Americas held tributes in Colombia and Peru to reaffirm the commitment to the fight for human and union rights.

In 2010 UNI Global Union established the Freedom from Fear Award which is given in recognition to the brothers and sisters who face company and/or government repression for defending human and union rights. We know that our region is full of heroic men and women that every day stand up to these policies risking not only their peace of mind but also that of their families.

Prosegur union leaders in Colombia and Peru are a true example of this: they have faced all kinds of adversity, yet they continue leading their unions, encouraging workers to continue their daily struggle for dignity and better working conditions.

This is why UNI has given them the Freedom from Fear Award in 2013 and 2014 respectively. UNI Americas desire was to bring together affiliated brothers and sisters in Peru and Colombia, along with union confederations, the ILO and other union and social organisations, to reaffirm our collective commitment to this fight.

The situation of Prosegur union leaders in Peru and Colombia has never been easy and difficulties continue till today. Through these means we have reported the local managements’ continued actions to reduce the unions to a bare minimum, and "persuade" workers to leave their organisations. In many cases these actions are a cause for concern because they disrespect the laws of the countries where the company operates. For example, in recent weeks Prosegur has lost legal battles fought against the unions, both in Colombia and Peru.

“We have a union and we fight against injustice without fear, despite the attempts to buy, bribe or intimidate us” said a Prosegur union member in Peru. "This is the fight of all people, the struggle for dignity, for our right to a collective agreement, for the right of workers to join their unions without fear of intimidation and blackmail" said a Colombian union leader. Both Fidel and Luis highlighted the need for Prosegur to sign a Global Framework Agreement, something that has been supported by leaders of the multinational in Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay, as a way for local management to align with the principles of ethics in their relations with unions, and respect freedom of association and collective bargaining.

José Boaventura, President of CNTV-Brazil and Vice President of UNI Americas Property Services, was present in both tributes. He highlighted his sector’s challenges, focusing mainly on security workers dignity, a struggle which is present in Colombia and Peru. "Yours is a fantastic example of strength and determination that is being known across the region and the world," said Boaventura. The ILO, represented by Beethoven Herrera in Colombia and by Eduardo Rodriguez and Carmen Benitez in Peru, highlighted the bravery and commitment of our brothers and sisters, stressing UNI’s role in promoting freedom of association and the global struggle for human rights.

Marvin Largaespada, Director of UNI Americas Property Services, emphasised that despite the situations faced by union members, they have always been willing to contribute to the work of the networks and the strengthening of the sector.

"The message that we get from Peru and Colombia is clear: solidarity, determination and struggle allow us to move forward, in spite of the difficult circumstances we face," said Adriana Rosenzvaig, Regional Secretary of UNI Americas. "We do not have here with us the 327 workers fired by Prosegur in Paraguay during a lawful strike, where they demanded better and safer working conditions. The ILO has been very clear about these illegal and anti-union layoffs. On behalf of the workers in Paraguay, Colombia, Peru, and all the workers in the region, UNI also wants to speak out clearly: we want a real dialogue based on real solutions. Only a Global Agreement can lead us to this" said the Regional Secretary.