Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has released details of the labor deal he signed on Wednesday with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama.
Santos stressed the main point of the pact was the protection of trade unionists and teachers, common victims of violence over the past decades.
New work inspectors within four years, an improved system for complaints and violations as well as improved guidelines for conflict resolution will be implemented by the Ministry of Labor.
Criminalizing the disruption of union associations, expanding the definition of unlawful threats and strengthening surveillance to ensure cooperatives respect the rights of workers will be reforms to the criminal code.
Temporary employment agencies will also be monitored tightly.
The government further promised to implement a national “Plan of Action” on a labor rights agreement in coalition with human rights defenders, trade unions and employers to promote human rights standards.
They will “work together on issues to do with the respect for labor rights, respect of union rights and the promotion of honest employment and fair wages,” said Colombian Vice President Angelino Garzon.
