USLEAP leads periodic labor delegations to Colombia. These delegations specifically aim to connect U.S. union members with union members in Colombia (we also welcome non-union members, though USLEAP delegations are geared toward unions).

 
Generally these delegations are organized in cooperation with a union or community organization which is responsible for most of the recruitment. USLEAP sets up the meetings and runs all on-the-ground logistics. We do our best to match up delegates with corresponding unions and organizations in Colombia and we cater the delegations as much as possible to the interests of participants.

If you are interested in forming a delegation, please contact Charity (cryerson@usleap.org) for more information.

Estimated cost for a 9-day delegation: $1300 This includes all food, hotel, translation, and transportation while in Colombia, as well USLEAP guides. For more information, contact Charity Ryerson at cryerson@usleap.org.

Why Visit Colombia on a Labor Delegation?

As part of USLEAP's response to the violence and impunity that plagues Colombian trade unionists and human rights defenders, USLEAP works to connect U.S. and Colombian trade unionists directly. By hearing the experiences of violence against Colombian trade unionists, U.S.-based labor rights advocates are able to understand the importance of taking action to support their union brothers and sisters in Colombia.

U.S. trade unions have increasingly engaged in international solidarity with Colombian trade unions through supportive letters, working to change policies that are harmful to workers in Colombia, sister union relationships, hosting threatened trade unionists, and participating in labor delegations. The USLEAP labor delegations to Colombia are a way for U.S. trade unionists to increase their support of the Colombian trade union movement.

Activities on USLEAP labor delegations to Colombia include but are not limited to:

• Joining Colombian trade unionists in May Day celebrations.

• Meeting with a wide range of Colombian trade unionists and worker rights and human rights groups working to end violence against workers.

• Learning about the effects of U.S. trade and aid policies including Plan Cololmbia and the Andean Free Trade Agreement (AFTA).

• Voicing opposition against violence and impunity plaguing Colombia trade unionists directly to the U.S. and the Colombian governments.

Delegation Security

Colombia’s civil conflict is the longest running armed conflict in the Western Hemisphere. There are implicit risks associated with travel within Colombia due to the civil conflict and USLEAP takes very seriously the security and safety of all delegation participants. USLEAP staff follow a strict security protocol while in Colombia.