Flower Workers in Antioquia Threatened

A newly formed union at Exportaciones Bochica S.A. CI in La Ceja, Antioquia, has received threats signed by the Aguilas Negras del Oriente, one of Colombia's paramilitary groups. The union, Unión de Trabajadores de Exportaciones Bochica S.A. CI, formed on January 28th, 2007 and the following day requested legal recognition.

In response, the manager of the company, Hugo Cifuentes, called a meeting with all of the workers and told them that he did not want a union at the plantation. Afterward, he attempted to convince union members to disaffiliate. A few days later, he held another meeting, this time bringing in members of the Colombian military, to "remind" workers that it is dangerous to be a union member in Colombia.

Two days after this meeting, the president, treasurer, and auditor of the union received the threats, in which they were told that if they did not cease their union activities, they would be "declared military objectives." In addition, unknown individuals have approached the spouses of union leaders in the street, telling them that union activity is risky and urging them to convince their spouses to disaffiliate.