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Costa Rican union leaders voicing opposition to the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)—which would extend NAFTA throughout Latin America--are being subjected to intimidation and threats. Albino Vargas, General Secretary of Costa Rica’s largest independent union--the National Association of Public and Private Employees (ANEP)--has been warned that if he continues to oppose CAFTA, his life may be in danger.

Union representatives from a general trade union, Confederacion de Trabajodores Rerum Novarum, were also threatened during a recent attack on their offices. The attackers stole paperwork and computers as well as union officer’s personal belongings. The attack was tied to the union’s position on CAFTA.

These disturbing events coincide with the re-election of Costa Rica’s former President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias Sanchez. During his campaign Arias championed the passage of CAFTA.

For more information and to sign a petition to urge the new president to respect workers rights go to www.laborstart.org and click on the link for Costa Rica.

Expiration Date:
Tue, 08/08/2006 - 5:00pm