News

At the UNI Americas Conference in Medellin, Marcio Monzane was elected as the new Regional Director of UNI Americas and Ruben Cortina was re-elected as UNI Americas President. Monzane started work at UNI Americas in 2004 and spent 5 successful years at Head Office as the Head of UNI Finance before his election as Regional Secretary of UNI Americas.

“I am so honoured to be elected as Regional Secretary of UNI Americas, especially here in Colombia. All of you know the love I have for Colombia, and my links with this country make me feel a bit Colombian,” said Monzane to the packed union hall. “I am also honoured to be in Colombia during this important transformational time for the country. We all welcome the peace process, and hope that we can take the next step on the path to a real peace.”

“UNI has grown a great deal in Colombia, and we hope that a Colombia built on peace, social justice, and democratic participation can lead to respect for trade union freedom and the right to collective bargaining.”

“However, it is impossible to ignore the fact that there has been an ascension of conservative powers in the Americas, whether by legitimate elections or institutional coups. Our movement is under attack from organized conservative elites and we must face up to the challenge.”

“We will continue to promote peace and social inclusion, and strengthen democracies in the region. The fundamental pillars of our strategy in our fight for working people will be to build strong unions capable of breaking through for collective bargaining and decent work.”

“Side by side, let’s build strength together and continue breaking through.”

UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings said, "Marcio has the full backing of the UNI family. He is ready for this and we know he will succeed."