News

UNI Global Union sent letters to Colombia’s President and Labor Minister strongly condemning death threats against Yuli Higuera, president of UTRACLARO, as well as against other union leaders and their families. UTRACLARO represents workers at the Claro company and in the telecommunications sector.

Ms. Higuera and the union’s leaders received a package and note with a menacing ultimatum:  "resign and leave as soon as possible, or if you do not, your families will face the consequences,” among other threats.

Additionally, unionists have been under surveillance, with unknown agents taking photos of them and their cars.

UNI’s General Secretary Philip Jennings and Head of ICTS Alke Boessiger wrote, “This situation is so alarming that UNI Global Union and the international community are demanding the safety and security of Mrs. Higuera, as well as the other threatened leaders, and we will be vigilant to ensure it.

“It is the government’s duty to protect its citizens and to bring to justice those responsible for such reprehensible threats, and all kinds of violence against the trade union movement.”

The global union is asking for an urgent meeting with the country’s Labor Minister to address the situation and stop the campaign of fear against ULTRACLARO leaders.

Neither the company nor the government has contacted UNI and union leaders concerned continue to be in grave danger – for their life and also of dismissal by the company.

Claro Colombia, owned by Mexican group América Móvil, is the largest provider of mobile phone services in the country.