In an effort to both achieve its initial objectives and to address any emerging
problems, UTQ has been involved in the following activities:
Empowerment
Through the Ernesto Che Guevara School of Coordination and Planning, formed in
1992, UTQ has implemented regular workshops, seminars and conferences to develop leadership and participation among union
members. The School of Coordination and Planning is also used as a forum for community meetings, opening its doors to various
citizen groups who seek a space to discuss a variety of political, economic, social, cultural themes.
Mobilization
In the years following the peace accords, UTQ has been involved in the continuing
struggle to bring about a more democratic Guatemala. Towards this goal, UTQ has employed a strategy of popular protest.
UTQ played a critical role in the general strikes against the privatization of
hospital, education, and mail services in 1994.In 2001, UTQ led pickets and demonstrations in protest of the 12% increase
in the aggregate value tax, a fiscal policy that unfairly burdened working families. Currently, UTQ has staged protests to
establish a town meeting with the mayor of Quetzaltenango and other Municipal Officers to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility
in the departmental government.
In addition, UTQ organizes annual marches to commemorate International Woman’s
Day (March 8th), International Labor Day (May 1st), Universal Human Rights Day (September 10th), and the Revolution of 1944
(October 20th).
UTQ participates in unscheduled manifestations and demonstrations in response
to the needs of its membership.
Legal Affairs
UTQ’s Asesoria Juridica office fights to protect the legal rights of Guatemalan
workers, The Asesoria Juridica staff of two layers provides free legal services to UTQ members, representing their interests
in court over disputes with employers, unjustified layoffs, collection of back-pay.
The Asesoria Juridica office also participates in the organization of new unions.
The Juridica draws up the legal framework to register new unions in full accordance with International Code of Labor, of the
International Organization of Labor, and the Guatemalan Ministry of Labor as mandated by the Guatemalan Constitution.
Information
Voces de UTQ, a monthly newspaper, informs UTQ’s affiliates and the community
at large of relevant issues and happenings in the labor community. By providing updates from the various coordinating posts,
Voces de UTQ keeps members updated as to the activities and concerns of their unions.
UTQ houses the Carlos Borromeo Sacalxot Center of Documentation and Archive,
a facility that provides historical and political information to workers, students, and the community at large.
Health-Womens Services
Through La Oficina de Mujer, UTQ administers an Infant Care program that provides
shelter for children of single mother households who lack sufficient economic resources. As well UTQ sponsors a medical clinic
and pharmacy for citizens of Quetzaltenango who can not afford medical coverage.
Finca la Alianza
In 1996 UTQ helped to establish 'Finca la Alianza', one of the sustainable
development projects made possible with the assistence of the government body 'Fondos para la Tierra'. 'Fondos para la Tierra'
provide the financing to enable communities of campesinos to buy back land that was previously under the control of a single
landowner.
'Finca la Alianza' is a cooperative macadamia farm located about 3 hours west
of Xela. On December 18th 2004, UTQ was invited to attend a public meeting at
the farm to celbrate the handover of the land titles to each of the families involved.
UTQ Today
Unfortunately, much of the international support that existed prior to and for
some years after the signing of the Peace Accords in 1996, has since been removed. This has meant that many of the aforementioned
activities are no longer possible and have been put on hold pending the acquisition of further funding.
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