Colombian trade unions take a stand

The Coordinadora Sindical Palmera, the organization that coordinates trade unions in Colombia’s palm oil sector, has resolved three conflicts in the past six months. These involved malpractices and discrimination within several companies in the palm oil sector in Magdalena Medio. The conflicts have all been settled, with support from Mondiaal FNV and the International Palm Oil Workers United (IPOWU).

The unions affected by the abuses, as well as by wage and union discrimination, were the colleagues from SINTRAPROACEITES, SINTRAINAGRO and SINTRAIMAGRA, where immediate support was needed to stop the attack by the companies. Initially, the unions tried to solve the problems themselves by starting a positive and constructive dialogue with management. They wanted to prevent the Coordinadora Sindical Palmera from having to intervene to find solutions for the workers at Hacienda La Gloria in Gloria Cesar, Palmas Oleaginosas de Santander (PALMOSAN) in Sabana de Torres Santander, and Gradesa in Ciénaga Magdalena.

Strike

When the companies refused to engage in dialogue, the Coordinadora Palmera Sindical appeared on the scene. It offered support, along with the Coordinadora's other unions. They did this by going on strike in the different companies to put the employers under pressure. This is how the conflict was eventually resolved. The unions and the Coordinadora formed an alliance and joined forces.

Unsafe situations in the workplace

The SINTRAPROACEITES La Gloria chapter was suddenly faced with the resignation of their president Miguel Romero. He had allegedly appeared at work under the influence. But it was all staged. A few days earlier, Miguel had made a number of complaints to the labour ministry, regarding unsafe situations in the workplace that endangered the lives and health of workers at the Hacienda La Gloria palm oil mill. This dismissal has since been reversed.

Very small mistakes

The Palmas Oleaginosas de Santander company tried to intimidate the SINTRAINAGRO Sabana de Torres chapter, by firing a number of workers for minor mistakes. After five days of strike, the company asked management to enter into a dialogue with the trade union. The dismissals were eventually reversed.

Political action and strike

The Gradesa company tried to control the collective bargaining process by making meaningless proposals, with no advantages or salary increases which the SINTRAIMAGRA Ciénaga Magdalena chapter could agree to. Then the company sacked nine trade union leaders. Thanks to the support of Colombia’s palm oil unions, and other unions, political action and a two-day strike put pressure on the company and opened the way to a dialogue. The layoffs were later reversed and collective bargaining continued constructively.

International network

Mondiaal FNV and IPOWU also played a role in these conflicts. Letters of protest were sent to two companies, from the Netherlands. This made a deep impression and paved the way for important struggles and great alliances. Companies that had never wanted to commit to better living conditions for workers in the palm oil sector had to give in. The trade union fights for better wages, better social and economic conditions, and a better quality of life for our families. Together, we can.