President Gustavo Petro has called for ongoing protests in Colombia to support a labor referendum. This follows opposition from a senate commission against his labor reform proposal. Petro criticized lawmakers for prioritizing money over people and encouraged public mobilization to pressure the Senate into action.
President Gustavo Petro has urged his supporters to initiate permanent protests advocating for a labor referendum aimed at improving labor conditions in Colombia. This call came during a large public gathering in Bogotá, where tens of thousands congregated against the proposed nullification of the government’s labor reform by a senate commission.
As the 14-member commission deliberated over eight members’ proposal to reject the labor reform, Petro accused the opposing lawmakers of betraying the populace. He berated them for prioritizing greed over community welfare, expressing concern for women’s rights to pensions after child-rearing.
Petro emphasized the need for public uprising against senators he labeled as “tyrants,” asserting that the people have the power to remove ineffective representatives. He called for “permanent and growing” mobilization to pressure the Senate into approving a legally binding referendum on the labor reform.
He stated that the popular consultation is active and will culminate at the Senate’s plenary session, where senators need to recall their role as representatives of the people. Political analysts project that unless the commission unexpectedly permits a plenary debate, the referendum could be conducted within six months.
President Gustavo Petro’s appeal for continuous protests underscores the urgent push for labor reforms in Colombia. Despite opposition from some lawmakers, Petro believes that public mobilization can influence legislative actions and lead to a legally binding referendum in support of enhanced labor rights. The situation continues to evolve as the Senate commission’s decisions will be pivotal in shaping the future of labor conditions in the country.
Original Source: colombiareports.com
