Res. No. 269
Resolution calling upon the appropriate committee of the Council of the City of New York to conduct a hearing to investigate the allegations of human and labor rights abuses by Coca-Cola in Colombia.
By Council Members Monserrate, Clarke, Comrie, Foster, Jackson, James, Martinez, Rivera, Sanders, Seabrook, Stewart, Vann, Barron, Fidler, Lopez, Palma, Sears and DeBlasio
Whereas, New York City is home to one of the nation’s largest Colombian populations; and
Whereas, New York City is also one of largest worldwide markets for products produced by Coca-Cola; and
Whereas, Over the last several years, allegations, press reports and legal challenges in both Colombian and United States Courts have accused Coca-Cola of exploiting Colombia’s chaotic political and military environment to immobilize trade unions active in their facilities by coordinating with paramilitaries who have murdered, intimidated and threatened union leaders, their families and their supporters; and
Whereas, An independent Fact-finding Delegation on Coca Cola in Colombia recently visited Colombia to investigate the allegations of human and labor rights violations that have been made against the company; and
Whereas, During their fact-finding mission, the delegation heard statements supporting such allegations, including the account of union leader Limberto Carranza, whose 15 year-old son, David Jose, was kidnapped while riding his bicycle and physically and mentally tortured while being questioned as to the whereabouts of his father; and
Whereas, Citizens throughout the world are entitled to basic freedoms, such as the right to freely organize without fear of death or reprisal; and
Whereas, New York City’s Colombian community needs to be assured that the human and labor rights of their family members in Colombia are respected by American multinational corporations, such as Coca-Cola; and
Whereas, New York City residents also need to be assured that their consumer dollars are not being used to support or perpetuate human rights abuses abroad; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the appropriate committee of the Council of the City of New York conduct a hearing to investigate the allegations of human and labor rights abuses by Coca-Cola in Colombia.
LS#798
RA
3/29/2004
H:/word/resolutions/Monserrate/ls#798