Tell Congressman about the Colombia FTA

Colombia is the most dangerous place in the world to be a trade unionist yet the Colombian Government has failed to curb violence against union leaders. Union related murders have remained extremely high with a count of 48 murders in 2008 and 19 (as of June) in 2009. Please join us in calling on Congress to hold off on the proposed US-Colombian Free Trade Agreement. Tell me more

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

Colombia is the most dangerous place in the world to be a trade unionist yet the Colombian has failed to curb violence against union leaders. Murders of unionists have remained extremely high with a count of 48 murders in 2008 and 19 (as of June) in 2009. As consumers, we ask that you also look at the Colombian cut-flower industry when considering your decision to support the proposed US-Colombian Free Trade Agreement within the current Congress. The Colombian cut-flower sector has benefited greatly from the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), a trade benefits program allowing over 95% of Colombia flower exports to enter the U.S. duty-free (tax free).

It is clear that labor rights have not been enforced under the ATPDEA. This free trade model will be expanded under the proposed US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining have often been violated by Colombian companies, including those in the cut-flower sector. Cut-flower workers, particularly women, have had to work longer hours under much more demanding conditions, for relatively lower salaries since 2002. Much of this can be attributed to recent labor law changes meant to accommodate Colombian employers entering flower sector, partly as a result of the ATPDEA. The Colombian government has not yet shown the political will to enforce core labor standards and should not be rewarded with an FTA. We encourage you to wait until the Colombian government makes substantial changes in enforcing labor rights before considering the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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