Winter 2009

The Obama Administration continues to take a soft approach to the first labor complaint submitted under CAFTA (Central America Free Trade Agreement), filed against Guatemala in April 2008 by the AFL-CIO and five Guatemalan trade unions.

The U.S. and Colombian governments signed an agreement on October 30 that gives the U.S. military access to usage of seven military bases throughout Colombia.  The deal gives the U.S. military free and open use of these bases, entrance of military personnel without visas, and complete immunity for U.S. military personnel from Colombian law.

No Let Up in Violence in Colombia or Guatemala

Colombia is likely to lead the world once again this year in number of trade unionists murdered, with over 30 trade unionists murdered as of early November.

Banana Workers Fight Dole, Talk with Chiquita  

Dole remained the top target of banana unions, with a new campaign document issued by European campaigners and USLEAP in October; in April, a lawsuit was filed against Dole alleging that it had funded paramilitaries in Colombia to murder trade unionists.

Trade Agreements and Worker Rights

While the Administration is officially still reviewing its trade policy, signs during 2009 were not encouraging.