CRS Says Colombia FTA Advocates Claim it Would Help Solve Labor Violence
The Congressional Research Service has issued a report on the labor issues and arguments related to the pending proposed U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).
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According to the report, opponents of the pending FTA argue against it because of the violence against trade unionists in Colombia; the lack of adequate punishment for perpetrators of violence (impunity); and weak Colombian enforcement of International Labor Organization (ILO) core labor standards and Colombia’s labor laws.
CRS states proponents of the FTA argue that violence has declined dramatically since 2002; substantial progress is being made on the impunity issue; and the Colombian government is taking steps to improve conditions for workers. They argue that approval of the FTA and the economic growth in Colombia that would result is the best way to protect Colombia’s trade unionists. They also argue that the U.S. could lose jobs through trade diversion as Colombia continues to enter into regional trade agreements with other countries.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/07/11 news, 11040737, for BP summary of the U.S. Trade Representative stating that a recently agreed-upon action plan related to labor rights for workers in Colombia clears the way for Congress to begin discussions on the FTA.)
(CRS RL34759, dated 04/14/11)