Currently released so far... 5267 / 251,287
Articles
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Amsterdam
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lagos
Mission USNATO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Browse by tag
AF
ASEC
AR
AORC
AJ
AM
AMGT
AE
AU
AGMT
AG
AS
AFIN
APER
ABUD
ATRN
AL
AEMR
ACOA
AO
AX
AMED
ADCO
AODE
AFFAIRS
AC
ASIG
ABLD
AA
AFU
ASUP
AROC
ATFN
AVERY
APCS
AER
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AEC
APECO
CU
CO
CH
CDG
CIA
CACM
CDB
CI
CS
CVIS
CA
CBW
CASC
CD
CV
CMGT
CLINTON
CE
CJAN
CG
CF
CN
CAN
COUNTER
CIS
CM
CONDOLEEZZA
COE
CR
CY
CTM
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CPAS
CWC
CT
CKGR
CB
CACS
COM
CJUS
CARSON
CL
COUNTERTERRORISM
EG
ECON
ETTC
EFIN
EZ
ETRD
EUN
ELAB
EU
EINV
EAID
EMIN
ENRG
ECPS
EN
ER
ET
ES
EPET
EUC
EI
EAIR
EAGR
EIND
EWWT
ELTN
EREL
ECIN
EFIS
EINT
EC
ECONEFIN
ENVR
ECA
ELN
EFTA
EXTERNAL
EINVETC
ENIV
EINN
ENGR
EUR
ESA
ENERG
EK
ENGY
ETRO
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ENVI
ESENV
ELECTIONS
ECUN
EINVEFIN
ECIP
EINDETRD
IV
IR
IS
IZ
IAEA
IN
IT
ICTY
IQ
ICAO
INTERPOL
IPR
INRB
IRAJ
INRA
INRO
IO
IC
ID
IIP
ITPHUM
IWC
ISRAELI
IRAQI
ICRC
IMO
IF
ILC
IEFIN
INTELSAT
IL
IA
IBRD
IMF
INR
IRC
ITALY
ITALIAN
KGIC
KDEM
KTIP
KOMC
KNNP
KWBG
KU
KPAL
KGHG
KAWK
KISL
KPAO
KHLS
KSUM
KSPR
KJUS
KCRM
KGCC
KPIN
KDRG
KTFN
KG
KBIO
KHIV
KSCA
KN
KS
KCOR
KZ
KE
KFRD
KIPR
KPKO
KNUC
KMDR
KPLS
KOLY
KUNR
KIRF
KIRC
KACT
KRAD
KCOM
KMCA
KV
KHDP
KVPR
KDEV
KWMN
KMPI
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KCFC
KTIA
KPRP
KAWC
KCIP
KCFE
KOCI
KTDB
KMRS
KLIG
KBCT
KICC
KGIT
KSTC
KPAK
KNEI
KSEP
KPOA
KFLU
KNUP
KNNPMNUC
KO
KTER
KHUM
KRFD
KBTR
KDDG
KWWMN
KFLO
KSAF
KBTS
KPRV
KNPP
KNAR
KWMM
KERG
KFIN
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KTBT
KCRS
KRVC
KSTH
KREL
KNSD
KTEX
KPAI
KHSA
KR
KPWR
KWAC
KMIG
KSEC
KIFR
KDEMAF
MOPS
MARR
MNUC
MX
MASS
MCAP
MO
MIL
MTCRE
ML
MR
MZ
MPOS
MOPPS
MTCR
MAPP
MU
MY
MA
MG
MASC
MCC
MEPP
MK
MTRE
MP
MDC
MAR
MEPI
MRCRE
MI
MT
MQADHAFI
MD
MAPS
MUCN
MASSMNUC
MERCOSUR
MC
OVIP
OPDC
OPRC
OIIP
OFFICIALS
OSAC
OAS
OEXC
ODIP
OREP
OFDP
OTRA
OSCE
OPIC
OECD
OPCW
OSCI
OIE
OIC
OTR
OVP
PARM
PREL
PTER
PHUM
PGOV
PINR
PINS
PREF
PK
PE
PBTS
POGOV
PROP
PINL
PL
POL
PBIO
PSOE
PHSA
PKFK
PO
PGOF
PA
PARMS
PORG
PM
PMIL
PTERE
PF
PALESTINIAN
PY
PGGV
PNR
POV
PAK
PAO
PFOR
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PRGOV
PNAT
PROV
PEL
PINF
PGOVE
POLINT
PRL
PRAM
PMAR
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PHUS
PHUMPREL
POLITICS
PEPR
PSI
PINT
PU
POLITICAL
PARTIES
PECON
SOCI
SY
SENV
SA
SP
SNAR
SG
SCUL
SR
STEINBERG
SF
SW
SU
SL
SMIG
SO
SN
SHUM
SZ
SYR
ST
SANC
SC
SAN
SIPRS
SK
SH
SI
TS
TU
TX
TBIO
TW
TSPA
TH
TIP
TI
TRGY
TC
TR
TT
TERRORISM
TO
TFIN
TD
TSPL
TZ
TPHY
TK
TNGD
TINT
TRSY
TP
UK
UN
US
UNGA
UNSC
UNO
UNMIK
UV
UY
UP
UG
USEU
USUN
UZ
UNESCO
UE
UAE
UNEP
USTR
UNHCR
UNDP
UNHRC
USAID
UNCHS
UNAUS
UNCHC
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 05SANJOSE1712, COSTA RICAN LABOR UNIONS LOOK FOR WAYS TO COMBAT
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #05SANJOSE1712.
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SAN JOSE 001712
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR WHA/CEN BBOYNTON
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB ETRD CS
SUBJECT: COSTA RICAN LABOR UNIONS LOOK FOR WAYS TO COMBAT
CAFTA-DR
REF: A. 04 SAN JOSE 2628
¶B. SAN JOSE 1153
¶C. SAN JOSE 944
¶1. (SBU) Summary: Costa Rica's labor unions, flush from their
earlier successes in intimidating President Abel Pacheco,
recently fell back to earth when planned demonstrations
against the Central American-U.S.-Dominican Republic Free
Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) fizzled. Now, with possible
adoption and implementation of the trade agreement looming,
the somewhat-humbled unions are joining with their regional
counterparts to redefine their message and mission. While
not abandoning their vehement opposition to CAFTA-DR and free
trade agreements in general, there are some indications that
the unions are gradually coming to terms with the inevitable
adoption of multiple free trade agreements, and are shaping
their upcoming agenda to regain a legitimate, participatory
role in determining Costa Rica's free trade policy. End
Summary.
--------------------------------------------- ----------
FROM LIMELIGHT TO SEARCHLIGHT: LOOKING FOR LABOR'S ROLE
--------------------------------------------- ----------
¶2. (SBU) During President Abel Pacheco's term of office, none
of his political adversaries have been more opportunistic or
more successful at intimidating the President than the
country's public sector labor unions. On numerous occasions,
Pacheco has caved in to union demands in the face of large
strikes, even in cases where courts had ruled the strikes
illegal. With each political victory, union leaders felt
their power increasing, and became bolder in their opposition
to Pacheco's policies (Reftel A). Thanks to his charismatic
leadership and constant media exposure, Albino Vargas,
president of the National Association of Public and Private
Employees (ANEP), became a minor celebrity. Thus, from the
moment of its introduction, Vargas and other union leaders
brashly denounced CAFTA-DR, contending that it would result
in high unemployment, deterioration of public services,
inflation and massive industry shifts, and would further
exacerbate perceived labor abuses.
¶3. (SBU) Despite acceptance of CAFTA-DR by the general
public, labor leaders confidently promised Pacheco that they
would muster thousands to protest should he present the
agreement to the Legislative Assembly for debate. True to
his history, and despite his initial support for the
agreement, Pacheco immediately began to waver. Afraid of
widespread strikes and mass demonstrations, Pacheco has for
the past year looked for any opportunity to postpone sending
CAFTA-DR to the legislative assembly for approval.
¶4. (SBU) In April 2005, however, labor leaders went too far
by targeting Oscar Arias, front-runner for president in next
year's elections and an ardent CAFTA-DR supporter. In their
anti-CAFTA-DR zeal, labor leaders stated that they would not
recognize an Arias victory at the polls (Reftel B). This
message did not resonate well a population proud of its
democratic traditions, and ultimately backfired. The
unionists latest attempt (in May) to flood the streets with
angry marchers failed, with small, disheartened groups that
disappeared at the first sign of rain (Reftel C). Recent
polls show a majority of Costa Ricans support CAFTA-DR, and
events have shown that those who don't support the deal have
not been able to make good on their threats to "take it to
the streets."
¶5. (SBU) With U.S. Congressional approval of CAFTA-DR and
increasing pressure on President Abel Pacheco to present the
treaty for Costa Rican legislative consideration, Costa
Rica's labor organizations are struggling to find a role to
play in the debate. While the unions have never wavered in
their opposition to CAFTA-DR, and continue to rail against it
with every opportunity, the only person who appears to be
really taking them seriously is President Pacheco. It is
difficult to say whether declining opposition to CAFTA-DR is
due to an on-going backlash at the demagoguery of certain
labor leaders, media fatigue, or to a growing understanding
of globalization and a desire not to be left behind.
Whatever the reason, as their audience dwindles, the labor
organizations are struggling to regain their hold on the
public's attention.
--------------------------------------------- ------
MISERY LOVES COMPANY: CA LABOR UNIONS MEET, REFOCUS
--------------------------------------------- ------
¶5. (SBU) Given the context in which it was convened, many
expected grand statements of solidarity to emerge from the
July 12-13 conference of Central American labor leaders,
organized by the Central American Common Labor Platform
(PSCC) and held in San Jose. However, the only sign that
such a meeting even occurred was a single article in national
daily newspaper "Prensa Libre," which detailed plans for a
Central American Labor Summit in October, with others to
follow through the end of the year. Puzzled by the lack of
public statements to emerge from the conference, Poloff
contacted Edgar Morales, deputy secretary general of ANEP.
According to Morales, the chief purpose of the July
conference was simply to lay the groundwork for the October
summit. He stated that the October meeting would include not
just regional labor leaders, but industry and political
invitees as well. While CAFTA-DR is an intended topic of
discussion, Morales stated that the principal theme will be
twenty years of unfair labor practices in all the Central
American countries. Also on the agenda are free trade
policies in general, workers' rights, and International Labor
Organization (ILO) conventions and their implementation.
¶6. (SBU) Predictably, union leaders have responded to U.S.
Congressional approval of CAFTA-DR with dismay and promises
to continue fighting the good fight. In a conversation with
Poloff, Rodrigo Aguilar, president of one of Costa Rica's
largest labor organizations, the Rerum Novarum Workers'
Confederation, expressed his hope that President Pacheco's
"Commission of Eminent Persons" will recommend against
implementation of CAFTA-DR. Aguilar believes that Pacheco
will resist pressure to send the treaty to the legislature
until after the commission has rendered a decision; Aguilar
concedes, however, that no one has yet been able to
accurately predict what Pacheco will do. According to
Aguilar, leaders of all Costa Rica's major labor
organizations will be convening on Tuesday, August 2, to
discuss strategy, and will release details to the public
sometime after August 3. Albino Vargas, head of ANEP, told
the press that regardless of Congressional approval of
CAFTA-DR, his organization would continue its fight against
the treaty. Both Vargas and Aguilar reiterated their
commitment to organize large demonstrations upon the
agreement's presentation to the Legislative Assembly.
-------
COMMENT
-------
¶7. (SBU) Now that the U.S. Congress has blessed CAFTA-DR,
President Pacheco will be under increasing pressure to
present it to the Legislative Assembly. Even if Pacheco
decides not to act, the February 2006 elections will serve as
a public referendum on CAFTA-DR, in which case the unions'
successful intimidation of Pacheco could backfire on them.
Oscar Arias has already signaled his intention to fight for
adoption of CAFTA-DR, and if he wins convincingly, he will
certainly follow through with his plan to present the treaty
for legislative approval. With adoption and implementation
growing more likely, the unions have to make a decision:
continue to kick against the tide of globalization and free
trade, or work constructively with the government to have a
hand in equitable implementation.
KAPLAN