Injured General Motors Colombian Worker and Activist Denied Visa

One notable and vitally important part of last years Standing Rock protest was it strong international and intersectional framework. I was very impressed at the sophistication of the organizers. This story connects this with internationalism, Naomi Klein's global call to action and Sara Jaffe's hopeful book Necessary Trouble, Americans in Revolt.  Trade agreements between elites in Columbia and other countries with the US include the exchange and sharing of information.  Here is a case of suspected collusion between a corporation and governments to black ball activists.  One of the shining hopes of the Resistance is Internationalism.  Although difficult to confirm due to secrecy, this articles shows that in the age of terrorism watch and no fly lists, we may see more of this directed at activists such as this injured General Motors worker who was flying to meet with Oregon-based Central America Solidarity Committee. The cancellation has not been officially explained, and supporters suspect retaliation for the aggressive protest tactics employed by the Colombians.

     In official statements“GM has put in place training, funding, and other resources so the Asotrecol members can return to productive work again and care for their families.”
     Shell-Spurling brushes aside GM’s statements, charging that the company has spent years denying the problem, or making insincere offers of partial restitution. GM exercises strong political influence in both the United States and Colombia, she adds, and the governments of both countries have generally supported GM in the struggle with ASOTRECOL. She cited the action of U.S. Ambassador Kevin Whitaker to cancel Parra’s visa a prime example of such support.
     Although there has been no confirmation, Paige says there is some suspicion that Parra’s visa cancellation may have been related to a meeting that had been scheduled this month with U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon).  The Portland Solidarity Committee had pressed for the meeting, Shell-Spurling says, in hopes that Sen. Wyden’s attention would spur GM to finally settle with all the injured workers.

General Motors to Colombian Workers Injured on the Job: You're on Your Own:



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