Coca-Cola, du plomb dans le gaz en Colombie
By ANTHONY LESME | PERD LA BULLE | mardi 9 mars par
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The famous American multinational has tried to ban the broadcast of a documentary film exposing its social practices in Colombia, or his involvement in the murder of trade unionists.
"I'm still not." Vincent Mercier, President of the International Film Festival on Human Rights in Paris took the honors of a letter signed by Coca-Cola. The gas company threatens legal action if it aired a documentary film, "The Coca-Cola", scheduled opening in March 9 next. A 85 minute film that points to a possible multinational complicity in the murder of eight Colombian trade unionists in the 90s.
"Freedom of expression is the right to distribute this film in France. I do not understand the approach of Coca in its notice. "Not amazing, according to former Secretary General of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) - and yet counsel Bakchich - William Bourdon, who was responsible for sending the company to Atlanta the ropes. "This is a fairly common technique multinationals out the muscles on anything to silence people. I call this technique the scorpion. It seeks to cripple the movement as a threat by a scorpion, which poisons its prey. "
The accusations of Ed Potter, the head of world relations work fo rthe firm, has particularly pushed the bubbles of the World Company. In the film, are disclosed secret negotiations between Ed Potter and the defenders of Colombian trade unionists. Negotiations that resonate as a first step towards the recognition of a liability of Coca in the killings in the land of coca. The Slimy U.S. based on this confidentiality ban the film. "Except that no agreement under private seal has been produced," says Bourdon, and a book published in 2008, Belching out the devil, has revealed the contents of those conversations. "
Since 1986, 4 000 trade unionists were murdered in Colombia. Only five cases have been prosecuted. In the land of President Uribe, everything looks like up close or far a protest must be discreet or face the wrath of the paramilitaries. The multinationals have they opportunity to destroy any union movement, to sponsor murders? The U.S. banana giant Chiquita has admitted to having used the services of the AUC, these far-right militias known to have a reign of terror. The Drummond Mine operators are also suspected of murdering trade unionists.
And so Coca-Cola. In the film, a witness said: "My brother, union leader, was assassinated while he was negotiating the collective agreement which expired. Their response was to assassinate him. "
If the film does not prove the involvement of Coca in the killings, he depicts a world ravaged union for the benefit of working conditions favorable for the company. Two young workers say they do not join unions for fear of being dismissed.
According to a survey by the International Labor Organization published in late 2008, Coca "should carefully review its approach and its ways in order to guarantee workers the right to organize freely." It can not be clearer.
The brand image takes a blow and could deteriorate further. Protest movements are gaining Turkey or China. An American campaign, "Killer Coke", spreads on the Internet. In response, Coca tries to limit these negative ads, with threats on Canadian festivals or French, or in universities. Coca defending more than ever the heart of its success, its image.
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