Oil strike in jeopardy

November 17, 1993
Issue 
584
World

The Colombian government is attempting to break the month-long strike at Ecopetrol, the national oil company, by using military force.

The strike began on April 7, after 17 months of negotiations. The strikers are trying to stop the privatisation of the company.

According to the Brussels-based global union federation ICEM, Colombian troops have now been placed in and around Ecopetrol's petroleum facilities.

This follows the arrest of some 100 members and leaders of the oil workers' union USO — as well as death threats made against USO members and supporters.

Ecopetrol has already sacked 288 workers for taking part in the strike, including nearly 30 USO leaders.

The international labour movement is calling upon all of us to send a loud and clear message to Colombian President Uribe that this is the time for dialogue — not repression.

[To help, visit < http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-A href="mailto:bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=29"><bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=29>]

From Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly, June 2, 2004.
Visit the

You need Â鶹´«Ã½, and we need you!

Â鶹´«Ã½ is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.