Trade Union Leader Murdered

Gustavo Pizo, President of the ASOCAT peasant farmer organisation, of the FENSUAGRO trade union, was brutally murdered on March 25th in the village called ‘Gabriel Lopez’ in Cauca Department, southwestern Colombia. The 31 year old trade union leader was stabbed to death by unknown men, whilst out walking with his brother. ASOCAT is also a member of the National Association of Peasant Reserve Zones, known as ANZORC, which promotes the rights of peasants to land and sovereignty. He had played an important role in denouncing abuses of landowners, and was also recognised as a leading activist in promoting unity between peasant and indigenous organisations.

FENSUAGRO, the Colombian Agricultural Workers’ Union, is the 2nd largest union in Colombia and has had around 1500 members assassinated. Unite the Union and the United Steelworkers of America have a partnership agreement with the union.