The leader of the National Confederation of Independent Trade Union Unity (Conusi), Marco Andrade, expressed his rejection of the audits that President José Raúl Mulino ordered on trade union organizations, labeling the measure as a violation of the Constitution and persecution against the labor movement.
Andrade argued that trade union education is protected by the National Constitution and the Labor Code, which guarantees workers the right to know and defend their rights. According to the leader, the financing for these activities comes from the Educational Insurance, to which workers contribute 1.25% of their salaries.
The trade unionist explained that the law establishes that 5% of the Educational Insurance fund is allocated to trade union education, while other sectors also receive funding, such as the Ministry of Education (27%), Professional Training (14%), and continuing education programs for the private sector (3%).
Andrade highlighted that the Ministry of Labor is responsible for managing these funds and that all trade union organizations must submit invoices and justifications for their expenses to receive reimbursements. He emphasized that the process has always been audited by the Ministry of Labor and the Comptroller's Office.
The trade union leader announced a march in Porras Park on February 20, where they expect massive participation from workers in rejection of the audits and in defense of social security. "We will not allow pensions to be reduced or for the CSS funds to end up in private banking without a guarantee of return," he concluded.
Lawyer and analyst Moisés Bartlett stated that it is correct to audit the funds of educational insurance and any other financing received by organizations and labor unions, in order to ensure that these resources fulfill their training objectives. Bartlett underscored that every cent of public money must serve its purpose, regardless of whether it is allocated to unions, political parties, or other organizations.
Finally, Andrade recalled that in the past, some union leaders were prosecuted for these issues, but the convictions were appealed and dismissed. "This was already attempted in Ricardo Martinelli's government when Mulino was Minister of Security and Alma Cortés was Minister of Labor," Andrade concluded.
