Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET)

12-26 July 2010
Registration deadline: June 30, 2010

You are invited to participate in a two week Union Delegation to Colombia during 12-26 July, 2010. The Union Delegation will examine issues in regard of the Colombian workers, i.e.; the most basic internationally recognised rights to organise into unions and to collectively bargain.

Will be two weeks exploring the direct involvement of multinational companies in the abuses against workers and the workers response organising for their rights i.e. (multinationals like Coca-Cola, Nestle Kraft, Calsa, DPA and others).

Coca-Cola is one of the top companies trying to bust union organising and many of the local union¹s officials have been murdered and many others have received death threats to themselves and their families;

The Colombian unionists are calling for an international boycott of Coca-Cola
until the company calls off the paramilitaries and bargains fairly with the workers;

Activities will include visits to union sites, indigenous communities, meetings with community & union leaders. SINALTRAINAL and other unions are organising mobilisations and cultural events.

Organisers:
The Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET) is an independent and inclusive group of people working in solidarity with Latin American grassroots movements and its struggles.

In Australia, LASNET aims to raise awareness of the struggles of Latin American people and works to support these initiatives through local and national activism.

We also aim to use the Latin American example as a way of providing hope to those of us struggling in Australia against greed and increasing authoritarianism.

LASNET is not aligned to any specific political party rather it is committed to social change based on justice, democracy and dignity.

LASNET can be contacted at lasnet@latinlasnet.org or visiting www.latinlasnet.org.

SINALTRAINAL, (National Food Industry Workers Union of Colombia)

Edgar Paez
National direction
Sinaltrainal, National Food Industry Workers Union of Colombia

Dubán Antonio Vélez Mejía
President of Sinaltrainal, National Food Industry Workers Union of Colombia
CUT (National Workers Federation) Executive committee member

Cost that involved been part of the delegation: $Aus 1,400
This covers 2 very full weeks of:
• All ground transportation
• All lodging, which will consist of shared sites/hotel/union rooms
• Most meals (approximately 3/4 of all meals)
• A Spanish-English translator
• A pre-departure meeting
• Introductory information about Unions in Colombia.

Please note: If you want LASNET to arrange your airfare ticket and other deatils, please contact LASNET before June 30. Please request to LASNET your Registration Form (see details below).

If you require more information please contact LASNET:

Email: lasnet@latinlasnet.org
Mobil: 0400 914944
Postal address: P.O.BOX 813 North Melbourne, 3051
On Behalf of Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET)