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Unions in Central America support DHL action week
Published: 19 October 2010
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COSTA RICA SITET joined the Global Week of Action of UNI and ITF with the very first “Respect and Solidarity! Know Rights!” day for DHL workers in Costa Rica, who have seen their own labor rights and benefits systematically violated. On 7 October 2010, SITET members distributed flyers outside a key DHL location. These flyers highlighted both the importance of labour rights awareness and the need to protect them. They also stressed the importance of legislation. They made clear that protection through ratification of conventions and the signing of collective agreements ranks as an important achievement in the advancement and consolidation of union organizing. Workers have been very receptive to the information provided and have used the opportunity to comment on the disrespect for their working conditions shown by DHL in Costa Rica. The organising of workers showed how important it is to promote complaints. COLOMBIA Colombian union, STPC, have developed their own ‘flyer’ and began to distribute it on Friday, 8 October, as part of their activities for action week. However when trying to distribute the flyer outside of DHL premises, a DHL Manager came out and threatened the union with legal action if they didn't leave and stop taking photos. The union continued to hand out their flyers on the public street. Most workers were very frightened to be seen taking their information. GUATEMALA The USTAC union in Guatemala converged on the International Airport La Aurora in Guatemala City, for three days from Thursday 14 to Sunday October 17 where they have been distributing leaflets informing people that DHL Aviation in Guatemala violates the rights of its workers. USTAC has distributed over 2000 fliers to airport workers including DHL workers and have also been giving information on the violations to the local media. PANAMA DHL bosses in Panama gave a whole new meaning to the term, “cover-up”, when DHL Human Resources Manager Ingrid Zerna covered up the SIELAS information wall in a botched bid to prevent workers finding out more about alleged instances of workers’ abuse by DHL across the world. This incident occurred on 8th October, when SIELAS members attended a demonstration, protesting against the passing of Panama’s notorious “Act 30″. SIELAS considers this to be an instance of Ms. Zerna’s inexperience that has lead to her breaching clause 40 of the collective agreement signed between DHL and SIELAS SIELAS activities during the cation week can be seen on Video at; http://www.itfglobal.org/dhlblog/?p=510 |
