IAMRECON2024 Opening: Reflections on crisis, democracy and labour rights

With the theme "People over Profit with Peace, Democracy and Social Justice," the event promises to be a crucial space for reflection and strategising in times of growing challenges.

Jocelio Drummond, PSI regional secretary, opened the Conference, highlighting the importance of a progressive government in Colombia and welcoming delegates from across the continent. Drummond underscored the multiple crises affecting the region and the urgent need to debate the future of public services, focused on collective welfare rather than profit.

PSI President, Britta Lejon, continued with a keynote address underlining the current "rapid and dangerous" political dynamics, in which democracy faces serious threats with the rise of authoritarian governments and the concentration of power. Lejon emphasised that in order to protect labour rights and the voice of unions, it is critical to defend democracy and oppose cuts to public services, adding that "When we fight for quality public services, we are not only fighting for our members but also for the rights of all," she said.

Without unions, there are no inclusive societies. Without unions, there are no rights. Without unions, there is no democracy

For his part, Olivier Dalichau, director of the FES Foundation, added a blunt view, noting that "Without unions, there are no inclusive societies. Without unions, there are no rights. Without unions, there is no democracy," reaffirming the essential role of unions in building just societies.

Meanwhile, Margarita López, representative of the Colombian affiliates, celebrated the fact that, fourteen years after the last conference in Cartagena, Colombia once again welcomed trade union leaders from the Americas. López affirmed that PSI's challenge is to guarantee peace, ecological sustainability, social justice and democracy in the midst of the current crises, highlighting the need to confront the advance of the populist and fascist right.

Colombia's Vice Minister of Labour Relations, Luisa Fernanda Gómez, recognised the importance of a strong trade union movement and welcomed the Conference for its focus on advancing labour rights and guarantees. Federico Dávila and Jan Hochadel, Vice Presidents of IAMREC, reaffirmed the trade union movement's commitment to peace, democracy and the defense of women's rights.