Guatemalan labor laws

The article "Under Pressure, Guatemala Addresses Labor Law Abuses," Dec. 14, attributes improvements to pressure from the United States government and international unions. The US and the American Institute for Free Labor Development have long opposed strong, independent labor unions in Central America. They have supported unions subordinated to conservative political parties. They have labeled even moderately progressive organizations "communist," exposing them to intimidation and violence.

Organizations such as the American Friends Service Committee have promoted contact between the US and leaders of popular Central American organizations. Improvements in labor rights have resulted from their struggle, not from the benevolence of North Americans. Sam Beer, Alfred, N.Y.

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