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The Labor Department today announced a $1 million grant to provide
training and technical education in the U.S. for Colombian trade union leaders.
Unions in that country play an integral role in advancing civil society by
promoting the rule of law and transparency, fostering peace, supporting
economic growth and enhancing respect for human rights. Such activities are at
the core of U.S. foreign policy toward Colombia.
In commenting on the grant, Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao said, "This
program supports our foreign policy goals and national security interests in
Colombia and in the hemisphere overall. Trade unions in Colombia play an
important role in expanding human rights as supporters of the peace process,
promoters of civil society and key participants in the national debates on
economic, political and social policy. The violence in Colombia and the general
economic malaise in the region destroy lives and also discourage private
investment and undermine economic reform. We look to help expand human rights
as well as generate economic expansion."
The grant will allow up to 25 Colombian trade unionists to receive
union training and technical education in the U.S. for up to one year. The
Solidarity Center in Washington, in cooperation with the National Trade Union
School in Medellin, will administer the program. That will include setting the
criteria for selection and development of training agendas. In addition, The
Solidarity Center will consult with the principal Colombian trade unions, the
Colombian Ministry of Labor and the International Labor Organization. The
actual training will be done at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies and
AFL-CIO affiliates. The Solidarity Center will also cover costs of
transportation, housing, language training and educational programs. Immediate
family members will accompany unionists when separation could result in danger
or hardship. The training will focus on the organizational and administrative
skills needed to function effectively in a modern economy.
U.S. Ambassador to Colombia Anne W. Patterson said, "The Labor
Department's program will make a timely, concrete demonstration of our
government's commitment to support democracy and civil society in
Colombia."
The grant is part of the global technical assistance program of the
Labor Department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs.
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