Colombia - Threats against SINTRACARBON leaders in Riohacha (2013)

The president and the treasurer of the National Executive of the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria del Carbón (SINTRACARBON) in the municipality of Riohacha, in the department of La Guajira, received repeated threats against themselves and their families between July 2012 and January 2013. The threats were issued whilst the two leaders were on the committee representing the union in the collective bargaining process with Carbones del Cerrejón Limited. According to the union, the intimidation sought to limit SINTRACARBON’s actions and demands aimed at defending the workers’ rights and developing the region. The leaders requested protective measures but did not receive an adequate, coherent and effective response to their individual requirements.