Advancing Labor Compliance in Colombia’s Port Sector

Advancing Labor Compliance in Colombia’s Port Sector (Colombia Ports Project, or CPP), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Trade and Labor Affairs, works to improve Colombia’s compliance with local and international labor rights in the port sector. Focused on eliminating forced labor, child labor, and other labor violations, the project promotes compliance with international labor rights, strengthens workers’ organizations, and fosters social dialogue to address labor challenges in key Colombian ports. The project runs from 2020 to 2025 and focuses on creating sustainable solutions to improve labor conditions and minimize disruptions in critical global supply chains. 

CPP strengthens labor law enforcement and ensures fair working conditions in Colombia’s port sector, which is key to maintaining stable trade flows. By improving labor standards, the project helps level the playing field for U.S. businesses and reduces the risk of unfair competition from regions with weaker labor practices. Additionally, stabilizing Colombia’s port sector enhances the efficiency and reliability of trade, benefitting U.S. businesses and supporting stronger economic ties between the U.S. and Colombia 

Learn more about CPP.

Funding is provided by the United States Department of Labor under cooperative agreement number IL-35742-20-75-K. 100% of the total costs of the project is financed with federal funds, for a total of U.S. $5,000,000 dollars. This material does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the United States Government.

350+ stakeholders, including workers, government officials, employers, and academics, provided with information and training on organizational capacity, collective and individual labor rights, social dialogue strategies, and labor conditions in the port sector
7 resources developed, including booklets, interactive tools, and assessments focused on individual and collective labor rights, labor regulations, social dialogue processes, and labor conditions in the port sector
5,000+ printed and digital materials distributed across Buenaventura, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Bogotá, effectively engaging key stakeholders
6 worker organizations provided with technical assistance to enhance their skills in collective bargaining, governance, communication, and program management — improving their success in negotiating and advocating for port workers’ rights