In the midst of the strike, Mintrabajo officials break into Bogotá headquarters

The strike of 14 unions at the Ministry of Labor completes more than 50 days without an agreement in sight. Now, a new episode has been added to this situation, which could complicate things even further.

(Read more: Mintrabajo strike completes 46 days with no sign of a near agreement)

On the morning of this Monday, July 22, fMinistry officials stormed the premises of the Ministry’s headquarters in Bogotá. The group, led by the director of surveillance and control, Luz Ángela Martínez, ignored the security seal imposed by the unions to demand the resumption of activities.

In a video posted on social media, Martínez and other people who work there can be seen entering the premises. “Let’s get to work (…) Everybody get to work,” the board is heard saying.

In the recording, the strikers can also be heard recalling that this situation occurred shortly before the dialogue table between the parties was to take place, which was scheduled to take place at 10:00 am.

(Read more: Attorney General’s Office asked Superfinanciera to account for monitoring Colpensiones)

(See: Mintrabajo unions denounce attempts by managers to take over the facilities)

After what happened, Maritza Manrique, spokesperson for the Strike Committee, said that this act is about “a clear violation of the right to protest and respect for decent working conditions.”

“A few minutes ago, the Surveillance and Control Directorate forcibly broke into the headquarters of the Ministry of Labor in Bogotá, demanding the lifting of the cessation of activities, which is a clear violation of the right to protest and respect for decent working conditions,” Manrique indicated.

The representative also stressed that the protest has been maintained because “There are cases of people with disabilities and health problems who have not been paid their salaries as a way of putting pressure on the lifting of the cessation of activities.”

Days ago, the Strike Committee had already denounced an attempt by the portfolio’s management to take over the facilities by force of the Ministry in the capital. Although the unions that are leading the protest have repeatedly said that they are protected by the law, there have already been several complaints of alleged interference by Gloria Inés Ramírez’s team that would be going against the rules of union protection.

(See: With criminal complaint against the Ministry of Labor, unions seek to protect their strike)

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