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The organisations affiliated to UNI in Colombia (Anebre. Sintratelmex Sintrabrinks, Sindess, Sindefonahorro, Uneb, STPC, USTC, Sintrapulcar, Sintrathomas) defined actions in order to join their efforts on the defence of their labour and union rights, taking Decent Work as their minimum standard as defined by the ILO. It was agreed that one of the tools that must be used is the Global Compact, a United Nations document subscribed by many multinational companies. In that document, the signatory companies commit to respect the principles of decent work in their respective plants. The companies take a different attitude in relation to this. The Global Compact is respected in their parent companies or European branches, but they behave completely different in countries of the Third World.



The use of UNI Global Framework Agreements subscribed with a significant number of multinationals operating in Colombia, was also considered an important issue. This is a vital tool that the organisations must continue to make use of.



One of the decisions taken by the affiliates attending the meeting, was to build alliances with union and academic organisations, and other related sectors to confront labour flexibilisation laws such as those which allow and promote outsourcing processes and the creation of associated work cooperatives. Those laws are a huge obstacle for unionisation and for the workers’ achievement of dignified working conditions and social protection.



Other important conclusion the workers arrived at, by analysing the application of decent work indicators in Colombia was “We as workers want to achieve a balance between work and family life, we want to receive a fair treatment and to feel fulfilled in our work”



The organisations agreed to develop a joint activity through UNI Americas Colombia for the International Human Rights Day (December 10^th).



For further information contact: marvin.largaespada@uniglobalunion.org