Colombia’s Congress has fortified security ahead of labor protests called by President Gustavo Petro, linked to a delayed labor reform. Local officials restrict government workers’ participation, raising tensions. The Labor Minister insists employers must protect workers’ rights to protest, as protests encompass broader reform demands.
Colombia’s Congress has enhanced security measures in anticipation of upcoming protests initiated by President Gustavo Petro. These protests respond to a Senate commission vote to delay a significant labor reform proposal put forth by the President. Petro has urged labor unions, farmers’ organizations, and political backers to mobilize during the congressional voting process concerning this key reform.
In response to the protests, Conservative Senate President Efrain Cepeda has restricted public access to the Capitol, allowing entry only for congressional members, state officials, and accredited press. Senator Nadia Blel, from the Conservative Party, highlighted the backlash against senators who intend to oppose the labor reform, noting they have faced harassment and threats from the National Government.
Local authorities in Colombia’s major cities, including Bogota, have expressed their refusal to permit government employees to participate in the protests, escalating tensions with union representatives. Bogota Mayor Carlos Galan warned that teachers who do not report for duty may face withheld payments, a stance that was rejected by the FECODE teachers’ union, which emphasized that teachers are compensated by the National Government.
Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino stated that the Labor Ministry would monitor employer activities that could hinder workers’ right to protest. He reiterated that employers must respect workers’ dignity, beliefs, and freedom of association, as established by the Constitutional Court, and any attempts to limit these rights are prohibited.
The protests are not only focused on the labor reform but also feature demands from major labor unions and indigenous organizations for congressional action on pending health and pension reforms.
In summary, Colombia’s Congress is preparing for increased security amid labor protests called by President Gustavo Petro against a delayed labor reform. Local authorities are restricting government workers from joining protests, while the Labor Minister emphasizes employers’ obligations to respect workers’ rights. The protests also include demands for action on health and pension reforms.
Original Source: colombiareports.com
