FMCS Statement on Mediation Between General Motors and Workers in Bogota, Colombia

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Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Sep 01, 2012, 01:19 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At the request of the parties, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service has provided mediation assistance in Bogota, Colombia to Colmotores GM and representatives of ASOTRECOL (an organization of former and current GM Colmotores workers alleging injuries that are job related to their work at the General Motors facility).

Working with the support of the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Department of Labor, FMCS mediators provided direct assistance to representatives of Colmotores GM and ASOTRECOL for 3.5 days. The formal mediation process concluded in a positive and respectful manner on Friday evening.

FMCS commends General Motors for its cooperative, constructive approach and its willingness to fully explore solutions addressing all concerns raised by the workers. In addition, FMCS commends representatives for the affected workers for their commitment to an open and peaceful dialogue designed to produce satisfactory solutions. The solutions examined and proposals offered were complete and examined fully in both joint sessions between the parties and private sessions with the mediators. While a comprehensive agreement was not concluded, with these discussions, the parties and other stakeholders have progressed on a path of trust and mutual respect essential for meaningful long term solutions. We encourage all concerned to continue on the path established. Finally, we thank the participants for the kindness and full cooperation given to FMCS in the mediation process.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and 67 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.

www.fmcs.gov

SOURCE Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service