Project Cooperation between LO and CUT-Colombia

Background

LO has cooperated in project work with CUT-Colombia since 2001. Since 2003 the cooperation has been a joint project with the union movements in Sweden, Finland and The Netherlands. LO-Norway coordinates the project for the donor organisations. Project work has involved:
• A democratic process whereby more than 700 member organisations will form national sectoral unions
• An improvement in the image of the union movement in the Colombian population.
• Educating labour leaders in union work
• Integration of gender equality and youth in union work

In addition, LO has exerted international political pressure for respect for labour rights on the part of the government and employers.

Purpose/objective

The purpose of the evaluation was to identify the principle developments and results of the project as well as difficulties which presented themselves. In addition, the evaluation was to contain recommendations for necessary adjustments in phase two of the project.

Methodology

The evaluation was based on meetings with groups in individual sectors who are working on the establishment of sectoral unions, the project committee, leaders in the CUT, and members of the departments of gender equality and youth. In health and food industry sectors meetings took place in both the capital and in rural areas.

The evaluator presented a draft evaluation to the CUT for comments and discussion before the evaluation was finalised.

Key findings

• The Colombian labour movement's difficult situation is mainly based upon serious violations of human rights in Colombia. However CUT's current structure (with over 700 member organisations) should be changed to reflect the country's new economy.
• All activities were executed within the proposed time frame and with the expected coverage and results.
• 3,466 union leaders from different levels in the CUT were involved in the project. These assured that expected results were achieved.
• Through the project a process has begun which will change the structure of the CUT and strengthen the organisation.
• The CUT has used the media, especially their own newspaper as well as radio and television programmes, to promote internal democracy and to improve the image of the union movement in the general population, the national government and amongst employers.
• Through the project more women and youth have been involved in the CUT's activities.

Recommendations

• The leadership of the CUT and other union leaders should participate in a course on gender equality.
• CUT should report on the number of youth and women who participate in project activities.
• CUT should define the structure of the groups working on sectoral unification.
• These groups should develop plans of action.
• The leadership of the CUT should participate more actively in the groups working on sectoral unification.
• The groups should also be taught the Logical Framework Approach.
• CUT and the Nordic donor organisations should coordinate more closely with DGB-Germany and Comisiones Obreras-Spain which have a parallel project concerning educating shop stewards.
• Plans for phase two of the project may be too ambitious. CUT plans to have established nine national sectoral unions by the end of 2007.
• The CUT must work actively to recruit new members.
• It is important to cooperate with the international sectoral unions.
• CUT's newspaper is a very important contribution to the project and should continue.

Comments from the organisation

LO has sent the CUT concrete recommendations based upon those of the evaluation. These will be followed up during a project visit in October.

There is now much closer cooperation between the Nordic, German and Spanish donor organisations. Telephone meetings are held each trimester and all organisations will be represented during the project visit in October.