Labor Day: Being a union leader remains a high-risk job in Colombia
Between 1971 and 2020, more than 200,000 acts of violence against union leaders have been registered in Colombia. A figure that is concerning because it reveals that our country continues to be one of the most dangerous places to carry out this activity.
TL;DR
- Over 20,000 acts of violence against union leaders were registered in Colombia between 1971 and 2020.
- Violence includes gender-based aggression, threats to families, sexual violence, and delegitimization of leadership.
- 3,395 cases involved violence against women union leaders.
- Only 4.6% of Colombian workers are affiliated with the 11,579 registered unions.
- Women hold 36% of positions in central union organizations, with the CUT having the highest female affiliation.
- The Defensoría del Pueblo calls for eliminating the gender pay gap, eradicating workplace harassment and violence, promoting inclusive policies, incorporating gender in collective bargaining, and strengthening women's participation in union decision-making.