Bolivian Workers' Center

COB
Bolivian Workers' Union
Central Obrera Boliviana
Founded1952
HeadquartersLa Paz, Bolivia
Location
Executive Secretary
Pedro Montes
General Secretary
Óscar Salas Moya
AffiliationsWFTU

The Bolivian Workers' Center (Spanish: Central Obrera Boliviana, COB) is the chief trade union federation in Bolivia. It represents groups such as industry workers, miners, peasants and professionals, its main objective is: "achieving the emancipation of workers in Bolivia, in the defense of their fundamental rights, for the definite liberation of the exploited, oppressed, marginalized and the Bolivian People"[1]

It was founded in 1952 following the national revolution that brought the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement to power. The most important affiliate of the COB was the Union Federation of Bolivian Mine Workers (FSTMB). From 1952 to 1987, the COB was led by the legendary Juan Lechín, who was also head of the FSTMB. In its heyday it was arguably the strongest independent labour movement in the world.[2]

Traditionally a demanding, confrontational organization, the COB has had a difficult relationship with every Bolivian president since the 1950s. More recently, it played a significant role in the series of demonstrations that brought down President Carlos Mesa in 2005. The COB currently supports nationalization of Bolivian natural gas reserves and opposed water privatization during the 2000 Cochabamba protests. In 2010 it led a brief national march that led to pension reform and in April 2011, it organized a twelve-day general strike for higher wages.

The COB represents about two million Bolivian workers, bringing together workers from various branches of industry and public services as well as consultation with many peasants' and indigenous leaders, such as Felipe Quispe.

  1. ^ Central Obrera Boliviana (COB). Contribución voluntaria al Segundo Ciclo del Examen Periódico Universal de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, para la 26° Sesión del Grupo de Trabajo sobre el Examen Periódico Universal Periodo 2012-2016, https://uprdoc.ohchr.org/uprweb/downloadfile.aspx?filename=3509&file=SpanishTranslation
  2. ^ Impasse in Bolivia, Kohl & Farthing, ISBN 184277 759 9, p.149.