Last April 10, Oscar González was gunned down

on his way to his place of work

Sirel spoke with the general secretary of the Union of Banana Workers of Izabal (SITRABI), Noé Ramírez, who reported on the progress of the inquiry into the murder of the trade unionist and the actions that have been taken by relevant authorities.

“On April 14 we filed a formal report with the Public Ministry (criminal prosecution body), not as a union but as the United Labor Confederation of Guatemala (CUSG). This report is now before the Special Prosecutor of Crimes Against Journalists and Unionists.

Oscar González had been working for the past seven years at Bandegua, Del Monte Fresh (formerly United Fruit Company), and two months before he was murdered he had been elected assistant secretary of organization of SITRABI’s Chickasaw chapter.

“On April 25 we received a document from the Public Ministry requesting information and our collaboration to move the inquiry forward,” Ramírez said.

“They asked us to confirm Oscar González’ membership in our labor organization, the position he occupied, and other details, such as the plantations and establishments where our union has members.”

“We’ve already replied, providing all the information requested.”

Moreover, the general secretary of SITRABI declared that the international labor community has responded with their support.

“In addition to the support we normally receive from the IUF, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) sent a letter to the President of the Republic requesting celerity in the investigation on the death of our fellow unionist,” Ramírez said.