Join the Network

Advocacy Resources

Our Faith Our Vote

Franklinton Center

Neighbors In Need

JPANet Action Alert:Stop the Colombia Trade Agreement

Why question the Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

The Colombia FTA will adversely affect both U.S. and Colombian workers. For U.S workers, this trade deal means less job security and a decreased standard of living. For Colombian workers, the trade deal means more substandard wages, environmental destruction, loss of livelihood for family farmers, and increased pressure to emigrate. All of these issues are compounded by the fact that the Colombian government has a dismal track record when it comes to investigating and monitoring violations of worker rights.

Further, there is serious reason to question a trade deal with a government which has allowed widespread intimidation and attacks on advocates for worker rights. Since 1986, 2,500 trade unionists have been murdered, including more than 400 killed during the administration of President Alvaro Uribe. In the vast majority of these cases, the murderers have not been brought to justice

Contact your representatives today and urge them to oppose the Colombia Free Trade Agreement!

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to you as a person of faith called to attend to the integrity of creation and to a global economy that allows all people to live in safety and in dignity.  I urge you to oppose the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which will only undermine the well-being of workers in the United States and Colombia, and lead to further destruction of the environment, particularly the fragile and vital upper Amazon basin.
 
As a Christian, I oppose this trade agreement for several reasons.

I am deeply concerned about violence against trade unionists, which continues to occur with near total impunity. So far this year, at least 17 trade unionists have been assassinated. Since 1991, more than 2,200 unionists have been killed and, in the vast majority of these cases, the murderers have not been brought to justice.

I believe the right to organize is a fundamental right that workers everywhere must be able to exercise without fear of being killed.

I also feel that the Colombia FTA will adversely affect both U.S. and Colombian workers.  For U.S workers, this trade deal may mean less job security and a decreased standard of living. Something we cannot risk during these economically difficult times. For Colombian workers, the trade deal means more substandard wages, environmental destruction, loss of livelihood for family farmers, and increased pressure to emigrate.

I strongly urge you to oppose the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Take Action on this Issue

Send this message to:

Your Congressperson
Your Senators

Complete the following to send this message and sign-up to receive periodic updates. If you have participated before, just type in your email address and set your prefix, then submit the form.

Powered by image