Graphical and packaging workers in Colombia are facing violence and death threats for organising in their union. Sign this letter to tell their employer, part of US multinational Kimberly Clark, to protect their workers.

Workers at a Kimberly Clark factory in Puerto Tejada, Colombia, have been subject to alarming anti-union violence. Earlier this month their elected union representatives received renewed death threats to their lives as well as that of their families that of their families.

The facts

In February 2022, Nestor Viafra, president of the SINTRAPUB union at the Colombian factory was attacked by armed gunmen. After identifying him as the union leader, the attackers opened fire, damaging Nestor's vehicle. He managed to escape and fortunately suffered no personal injuries.

Just a few months later, in August 2022, the SINTRAPUB executive committee at the same company received threats from an armed group operating in the region to cease their trade union activities. As a result of these threats, 4 members of the SINTRAPUB executive received police protection, safe transport and bulletproof vests.

Just a few days ago, on 15 August 2023, a person claiming to speak on behalf of a known paramilitary group in the region, contacted the SINTRAPUB executive committee for the Puerto Tejada factory and demanded that they cease their union activities, threatening to "killing them all" including their "children, family and friends".

The reasons given for the threats are clearly aimed at stopping union activity: "filing complaints, providing information to the authorities, inciting workers to insubordination and to provoke unrest in the corporate sector.”

Calling for international trade union solidarity

The workers and their union have called for help from fellow UNI unions. By signing this letter you can help raise the profile of the situation they are facing and put pressure on decision-makers to guarantee the safety of fellow trade unionists.

The recently elected government, which includes trade unionists, is doing its part to put an end to anti-union violence in the country. But the corrupt, the corrupt, and the criminal organisations associated with them will not give up easily. The support of the international community is vital.  

Multinational companies have a lot of power and influence that can tip the balance. That is why we are calling on the parent company, Kimberly Clark, to ensure that this anti-union violence is brought to an end. A relatively simple action such as a strong, public condemnation of these acts of violence against its workers and their union representatives can have a huge impact.

Sign this letter to call on the company management to protect their workers.