Cable Viewer

Currently released so far... 12648 / 251,287

### Browse latest releases

2010/11 2010/12 2011/01 2011/02 2011/03 2011/04 2011/05
2010/11/28 2010/11/29 2010/11/30
2010/12/01 2010/12/02 2010/12/03 2010/12/04 2010/12/05 2010/12/06 2010/12/07 2010/12/08 2010/12/09 2010/12/10 2010/12/11 2010/12/12 2010/12/13 2010/12/14 2010/12/15 2010/12/16 2010/12/17 2010/12/18 2010/12/19 2010/12/20 2010/12/21 2010/12/22 2010/12/23 2010/12/24 2010/12/25 2010/12/26 2010/12/27 2010/12/28 2010/12/29 2010/12/30
2011/01/01 2011/01/02 2011/01/04 2011/01/05 2011/01/07 2011/01/09 2011/01/10 2011/01/11 2011/01/12 2011/01/13 2011/01/14 2011/01/15 2011/01/16 2011/01/17 2011/01/18 2011/01/19 2011/01/20 2011/01/21 2011/01/22 2011/01/23 2011/01/24 2011/01/25 2011/01/26 2011/01/27 2011/01/28 2011/01/29 2011/01/30 2011/01/31
2011/02/01 2011/02/02 2011/02/03 2011/02/04 2011/02/05 2011/02/06 2011/02/07 2011/02/08 2011/02/09 2011/02/10 2011/02/11 2011/02/12 2011/02/13 2011/02/14 2011/02/15 2011/02/16 2011/02/17 2011/02/18 2011/02/19 2011/02/20 2011/02/21 2011/02/22 2011/02/23 2011/02/24 2011/02/25 2011/02/26 2011/02/27 2011/02/28
2011/03/01 2011/03/02 2011/03/03 2011/03/04 2011/03/05 2011/03/06 2011/03/07 2011/03/08 2011/03/09 2011/03/10 2011/03/11 2011/03/13 2011/03/14 2011/03/15 2011/03/16 2011/03/17 2011/03/18 2011/03/19 2011/03/20 2011/03/21 2011/03/22 2011/03/23 2011/03/24 2011/03/25 2011/03/26 2011/03/27 2011/03/28 2011/03/29 2011/03/30 2011/03/31
2011/04/01 2011/04/02 2011/04/03 2011/04/04 2011/04/05 2011/04/06 2011/04/07 2011/04/08 2011/04/09 2011/04/10 2011/04/11 2011/04/12 2011/04/13 2011/04/14 2011/04/15 2011/04/16 2011/04/17 2011/04/18 2011/04/19 2011/04/20 2011/04/21 2011/04/22 2011/04/23 2011/04/24 2011/04/25 2011/04/26 2011/04/27 2011/04/28 2011/04/29 2011/04/30
2011/05/01 2011/05/02 2011/05/03 2011/05/04 2011/05/05 2011/05/06 2011/05/07 2011/05/08 2011/05/09 2011/05/10 2011/05/11 2011/05/12 2011/05/13 2011/05/14 2011/05/15 2011/05/16 2011/05/17

### Browse by creation date

66 72 73 75 79 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 96 97 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
1966/12
1972/02 1972/08
1973/04
1975/03
1979/08
1985/03 1985/05 1985/06
1986/05
1987/06
1988/01 1988/03 1988/07
1989/12
1990/01 1990/07 1990/08 1990/10
1991/05
1992/01 1992/03 1992/06 1992/09 1992/12
1993/01 1993/10
1994/12
1996/11
1997/06 1997/12
2000/05 2000/06 2000/09 2000/11
2001/02 2001/03 2001/06 2001/07 2001/09 2001/10 2001/11
2002/01 2002/02 2002/03 2002/04 2002/07 2002/08 2002/09 2002/11 2002/12
2003/01 2003/02 2003/03 2003/04 2003/05 2003/06 2003/07 2003/08 2003/09 2003/10 2003/11 2003/12
2004/01 2004/02 2004/03 2004/04 2004/05 2004/06 2004/07 2004/08 2004/09 2004/10 2004/11 2004/12
2005/01 2005/02 2005/03 2005/04 2005/05 2005/06 2005/07 2005/08 2005/09 2005/10 2005/11 2005/12
2006/01 2006/02 2006/03 2006/04 2006/05 2006/06 2006/07 2006/08 2006/09 2006/10 2006/11 2006/12
2007/01 2007/02 2007/03 2007/04 2007/05 2007/06 2007/07 2007/08 2007/09 2007/10 2007/11 2007/12
2008/01 2008/02 2008/03 2008/04 2008/05 2008/06 2008/07 2008/08 2008/09 2008/10 2008/11 2008/12
2009/01 2009/02 2009/03 2009/04 2009/05 2009/06 2009/07 2009/08 2009/09 2009/10 2009/11 2009/12
2010/01 2010/02

### Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Embassy Athens Embassy Asuncion Embassy Astana Embassy Asmara Embassy Ashgabat Embassy Apia Embassy Ankara Embassy Amman Embassy Algiers Embassy Addis Ababa Embassy Accra Embassy Abuja Embassy Abu Dhabi Embassy Abidjan Consulate Auckland Consulate Amsterdam Consulate Adana American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura Embassy Buenos Aires Embassy Budapest Embassy Bucharest Embassy Brussels Embassy Bridgetown Embassy Bratislava Embassy Brasilia Embassy Bogota Embassy Bishkek Embassy Bern Embassy Berlin Embassy Belmopan Embassy Belgrade Embassy Beirut Embassy Beijing Embassy Banjul Embassy Bangkok Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan Embassy Bamako Embassy Baku Embassy Baghdad Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen Embassy Conakry Embassy Colombo Embassy Chisinau Embassy Caracas Embassy Canberra Embassy Cairo Consulate Curacao Consulate Ciudad Juarez Consulate Chennai Consulate Casablanca Consulate Cape Town Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe Embassy Dublin Embassy Doha Embassy Djibouti Embassy Dili Embassy Dhaka Embassy Dar Es Salaam Embassy Damascus Embassy Dakar Consulate Dubai
Embassy Freetown Consulate Fukuoka
Embassy Guatemala Embassy Gaborone Consulate Guayaquil Consulate Guadalajara
Embassy Helsinki Embassy Harare Embassy Hanoi Consulate Ho Chi Minh City Consulate Hermosillo Consulate Hamilton Consulate Hamburg Consulate Halifax
Iran RPO Dubai Embassy Islamabad Consulate Istanbul
Embassy Jakarta Consulate Jerusalem Consulate Jeddah
Embassy Kyiv Embassy Kuwait Embassy Kuala Lumpur Embassy Kinshasa Embassy Kingston Embassy Kigali Embassy Khartoum Embassy Kathmandu Embassy Kampala Embassy Kabul Consulate Kolkata
Embassy Luxembourg Embassy Luanda Embassy London Embassy Ljubljana Embassy Lisbon Embassy Lima Embassy Lilongwe Embassy La Paz Consulate Lahore Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE Mission USNATO Mission UNESCO Embassy Muscat Embassy Moscow Embassy Montevideo Embassy Monrovia Embassy Minsk Embassy Mexico Embassy Mbabane Embassy Maputo Embassy Manila Embassy Manama Embassy Managua Embassy Malabo Embassy Madrid Consulate Munich Consulate Mumbai Consulate Montreal Consulate Monterrey Consulate Milan Consulate Melbourne
Embassy Nicosia Embassy Niamey Embassy New Delhi Embassy Ndjamena Embassy Nassau Embassy Nairobi Consulate Naples Consulate Naha
Embassy Ouagadougou Embassy Ottawa Embassy Oslo
Embassy Pristina Embassy Pretoria Embassy Prague Embassy Port Of Spain Embassy Port Louis Embassy Port Au Prince Embassy Phnom Penh Embassy Paris Embassy Paramaribo Embassy Panama Consulate Peshawar
Embassy Quito Consulate Quebec
REO Basrah Embassy Rome Embassy Riyadh Embassy Riga Embassy Reykjavik Embassy Rangoon Embassy Rabat Consulate Rio De Janeiro Consulate Recife
Secretary of State Embassy Suva Embassy Stockholm Embassy Sofia Embassy Skopje Embassy Singapore Embassy Seoul Embassy Sarajevo Embassy Santo Domingo Embassy Santiago Embassy Sanaa Embassy San Salvador Embassy San Jose Consulate Strasbourg Consulate St Petersburg Consulate Shenyang Consulate Shanghai Consulate Sapporo Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis Embassy Tripoli Embassy Tokyo Embassy The Hague Embassy Tel Aviv Embassy Tehran Embassy Tegucigalpa Embassy Tbilisi Embassy Tashkent Embassy Tallinn Consulate Toronto Consulate Tijuana
USUN New York USEU Brussels US Office Almaty US Mission Geneva US Interests Section Havana US Delegation, Secretary UNVIE Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius Embassy Vienna Embassy Vatican Embassy Valletta Consulate Vladivostok Consulate Vancouver
Embassy Windhoek Embassy Wellington Embassy Warsaw
Embassy Yerevan Embassy Yaounde
Embassy Zagreb

### Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
AORC AF AU ASEC AMGT AS APER AR AG ARF AJ AA AINF APECO AODE ABLD AMG ATPDEA AE AEMR AMED AGAO AFIN AL ASUP ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG AID ASCH AM AORL ASEAN APEC ADM AFSI AFSN ADCO ABUD AN AY AIT AGR ACOA ANET ASIG AMCHAMS AGMT AADP ADPM ATRN ALOW ACS APCS AFFAIRS ADANA AECL ACAO AORG AROC AO ACABQ AX AMEX AFGHANISTAN AZ AND ARM AQ ATFN AMBASSADOR ACBAQ AC AUC ASEX AER AVERY AGRICULTURE AFU
BR BTIO BY BO BA BU BL BN BM BF BEXP BK BG BB BTIU BBSR BRUSSELS BD BIDEN BE BH BILAT BC BX BT BP BMGT BWC
CS CA CH CD CO CE CU CVIS CASC CJAN CI CPAS CMGT CDG CIC CAC CBW CWC COUNTER CW CT CY CNARC CACM CG CB CM CV CIDA CLINTON CHR COE CR CIS CDC CONS CF CODEL COPUOS CIA CFED CARSON CL CROS CAPC CTR CACS CN CBSA CEUDA COM CONDOLEEZZA CICTE COUNTRY CBE CKGR CVR COUNTERTERRORISM CITEL CLEARANCE CARICOM CSW CITT CDB CJUS CTM CAN CLMT CBC
DA DEA DR DEAX DHS DAO DCM DJ DOD DOMESTIC DO DK DPRK DEPT DISENGAGEMENT DOE DTRA DS DEFENSE DE
EAID ECON EFIS ETRD EC ENRG EINV EFIN EAGR ETTC ECPS EINT ES EIND EAIR EU EUN EG EPET ELAB EWWT EMIN ECIN ESA ER ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS EAIG ET ETRO ELTN EI EN EUR EK EUMEM EPA ENGR EXTERNAL EUREM ELN EUC ENERG ENIV EZ ERD EFTA ETRC ETRN EINVECONSENVCSJA EEPET EUNCH ESENV ENNP ENVI ETRDECONWTOCS ECINECONCS EFINECONCS ELECTIONS ENVR EXIM ERNG ECA EINVEFIN ETC EAP ECONOMY EINN ECONOMIC EXBS ECUN ENGY ECONOMICS EIAR EINDETRD ECONEFIN EURN EDU ETRDEINVTINTCS ECIP EFIM EAIDS EREL EINVETC ECONCS ETRA
FI FJ FR FDA FBI FTAA FAC FARC FTA FAO FMLN FO FAS FOREIGN FM FREEDOM FISO FOR FINR FINANCE FOI
GG GM GOI GT GR GH GTIP GV GA GAERC GE GCC GOV GZ GY GANGS GERARD GTMO GL GF GAZA GLOBAL
HR HA HU HO HURI HILLARY HYMPSK HSTC HK HEBRON HUMOR HI HUMAN
IC IV IAEA IR IO IT IN IS IZ IMO IPR IWC ICAO ILO ID ICTY ICJ INMARSAT INDO IL IMF IRS IQ IA ICRC IDA IAHRC IBRD ISLAMISTS IGAD ILC ITU ITF INRA INRO IDP ICTR IEFIN IRC ITRA ITALY INRB INTELSAT IBET IRAQI ISRAELI IIP ITPGOV ITALIAN INTERNAL INTERPOL IEA INR IZPREL IRAJ IF ITPHUM ISRAEL IACI
JA JO JM JOSEPH JP JUS JOHNNIE JOHN JAMES
KBTR KPAO KOMC KCRM KDEM KHIV KBIO KTIA KMDR KNNP KSCA KTIP KWMN KIPR KCOR KRVC KFRD KPAL KWBG KE KTDB KUNR KSPR KJUS KGHG KAWC KCFE KGCC KOLY KSUM KACT KISL KTFN KFLU KSTH KMPI KHDP KS KHLS KMRS KID KN KU KAWK KSAC KCOM KAID KIRC KWMNCS KMCA KNEI KCRS KPKO KICC KPOA KV KDRG KIRF KSEO KVPR KSEP KTER KBCT KFIN KGIC KCIP KZ KG KWAC KRAD KPRP KTEX KNAR KPLS KPAK KSTC KFLO KSCI KIDE KOMS KHSA KSAF KPWR KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KFSC KRIM KVRP KENV KNSD KCGC KDDG KPRV KTBT KWMM KMFO KMOC KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KPAI KO KVIR KREC KX KR KCRCM KBTS KOCI KGIT KNUP KPAONZ KNUC KNNPMNUC KERG KTLA KCSY KTRD KNPP KJUST KCMR KRCM KCFC KCHG KREL KFTFN KLIG KDEMAF KICA KHUM KSEC KPIN KESS KDEV KWWMN KOM KWNM KRFD KMIG KRGY KIFR
LH LY LE LI LG LO LA LU LTTE LAB LOG LT LABOR
MARR MOPS MASS MX MNUC MCAP MO MR MEPP MTCRE MAPP MEPN MZ MT ML MA MY MIL MD MASSMNUC MU MK MTCR MUCN MAS MEDIA MAR MC MI MQADHAFI MPOS MTRE MASC MG MARAD MRCRE MW MP MOPPS MTS MLS MILI MEPI MEETINGS MERCOSUR MCC MIK MAPS MV MILITARY MDC
NATO NZ NL NO NK NU NPT NI NG NEW NSF NA NPG NSG NE NSSP NS NDP NSC NAFTA NH NV NP NPA NSFO NT NW NASA NORAD NATIONAL NGO NR NIPP NZUS NC NRR NAR NATOPREL
OEXC OTRA OPRC OVIP OAS OIIP OSCE OREP OPIC OFDP OMIG ODIP OVP OSCI OIC OECD OIE OPDC ON OCII OPAD OBSP OFFICIALS OPCW OHUM OES OCS OTR OSAC OFDA
PGOV PREL PM PHUM PTER PINR PINS PREF PARM PL PK PU PBTS PBIO PHSA PE PO PROP PA PNAT POL PLN POLITICAL PARTIES PCUL PAK PGGV PAO PSA PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA PAS PGIV PHUMPREL PCI PG POGOV PHUMPGOV PEL POLITICS POLICY PINL PP PREO PAHO PBT PMIL POV PRL PDOV PTBS PRAM PREFA PSI PAIGH POSTS PALESTINIAN PARMS PROG PTERE PRGOV PORG PS PGOF PKFK PSOE PEPR PPA PINT PMAR PRELP PINF PNG PFOR PUNE PGOVLO PHUMBA PSEPC PNR POLINT PGOVE PHALANAGE PARTY PDEM PECON PROV PGOC PY PHUH PF PHUS
QA
RU RS RO RW RP RFE REGION REACTION REPORT ROOD RCMP RM RSO ROBERT RICE RSP RF RIGHTS RIGHTSPOLMIL RUPREL RELATIONS
SENV SU SCUL SOCI SNAR SL SW SMIG SP SY SA SHUM SZ SYRIA SF SR SO SARS SN SC SIPRS SI SYR SEVN SG SPCE SK STEINBERG SH SNARCS SAARC SCRS SENVKGHG SAN ST SIPDIS SNARIZ SNARN SSA SPCVIS SOFA SEN SANC SWE SHI
TW TU TBIO TSPL TPHY TRGY TC TT TSPA TINT TERRORISM TX TR TS TN TD TH TIP TNGD TI TZ THPY TP TBID TF TL TV TK TO TRSY TURKEY TFIN TAGS
UN UK UNSC UNGA US UNESCO UP UNHRC UNAUS USTR UNDP UNEP UY UNCHR UG UZ UNPUOS USEU UNMIK UNDC UNICEF UV UNHCR UNCHC UNCSD USOAS UNFCYP USUN USNC UNIDROIT UNO UNCND USPS USAID UE UNVIE UAE UNODC UNCHS UNFICYP UNDESCO UNC
VE VAT VZ VN VC VT VM VI VTPREL VTIZ VTEG
WMO WHO WHA WA WI WWARD WHTI WTRO WS WTO WTRQ WBG WMD WFP WIPO WZ WB WITH WEU
XK XF XY XG XB XV XR XA XZ XL XW XS XM XD XX XU XI XT XH XQ XE XTAG XC
YE YM YI YMCS
ZB ZI ZEALAND ZF ZK ZR ZP ZU ZO ZL ZOELLICK ZJ ZN ZA ZANU

### Browse by classification

CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN SECRET SECRET//NOFORN UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

### Community resources

Follow us on Twitter Check our Reddit Twitter this Digg this page Contact us on IRC

courage is contagious

### Viewing cable 05SANJOSE1712, COSTA RICAN LABOR UNIONS LOOK FOR WAYS TO COMBAT

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:

- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.

To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #05SANJOSE1712.

Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
05SANJOSE1712 | 2005-07-28 21:58 | 2011-03-03 16:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy San Jose

Appears in these articles:
http://www.nacion.com/2011-03-03/Investigacion/NotasDestacadas/Investigacion2697430.aspx
http://www.nacion.com/2011-03-03/Investigacion/NotaPrincipal/Investigacion2697496.aspx
http://www.nacion.com/2011-03-03/Investigacion/NotasSecundarias/Investigacion2697489.aspx
http://www.nacion.com/2011-03-03/Investigacion/NotasSecundarias/Investigacion2697532.aspx
http://www.nacion.com/2011-03-03/Investigacion/NotasSecundarias/Investigacion2697535.aspx
http://www.nacion.com/2011-03-03/Investigacion/NotasSecundarias/Investigacion2701964.aspx
http://www.nacion.com/2011-03-03/Investigacion/Relacionados/Investigacion2701965.aspx

`

    This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

` `

    UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SAN JOSE 001712

    SIPDIS

    SENSITIVE

    DEPT FOR WHA/CEN BBOYNTON

    E.O. 12958: N/A
    TAGS: ELAB ETRD CS
    SUBJECT: COSTA RICAN LABOR UNIONS LOOK FOR WAYS TO COMBAT
    CAFTA-DR

    REF: A. 04 SAN JOSE 2628

         ¶B. SAN JOSE 1153
         ¶C. SAN JOSE 944

    ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Costa Rica's labor unions, flush from their
    earlier successes in intimidating President Abel Pacheco,
    recently fell back to earth when planned demonstrations
    against the Central American-U.S.-Dominican Republic Free
    Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) fizzled.  Now, with possible
    adoption and implementation of the trade agreement looming,
    the somewhat-humbled unions are joining with their regional
    counterparts to redefine their message and mission.  While
    not abandoning their vehement opposition to CAFTA-DR and free
    trade agreements in general, there are some indications that
    the unions are gradually coming to terms with the inevitable
    adoption of multiple free trade agreements, and are shaping
    their upcoming agenda to regain a legitimate, participatory
    role in determining Costa Rica's free trade policy.  End
    Summary.

    --------------------------------------------- ----------
    FROM LIMELIGHT TO SEARCHLIGHT: LOOKING FOR LABOR'S ROLE
    --------------------------------------------- ----------

    ¶2. (SBU) During President Abel Pacheco's term of office, none
    of his political adversaries have been more opportunistic or
    more successful at intimidating the President than the
    country's public sector labor unions.  On numerous occasions,
    Pacheco has caved in to union demands in the face of large
    strikes, even in cases where courts had ruled the strikes
    illegal.  With each political victory, union leaders felt
    their power increasing, and became bolder in their opposition
    to Pacheco's policies (Reftel A).  Thanks to his charismatic
    leadership and constant media exposure, Albino Vargas,
    president of the National Association of Public and Private
    Employees (ANEP), became a minor celebrity.  Thus, from the
    moment of its introduction, Vargas and other union leaders
    brashly denounced CAFTA-DR, contending that it would result
    in high unemployment, deterioration of public services,
    inflation and massive industry shifts, and would further
    exacerbate perceived labor abuses.

    ¶3. (SBU) Despite acceptance of CAFTA-DR by the general
    public, labor leaders confidently promised Pacheco that they
    would muster thousands to protest should he present the
    agreement to the Legislative Assembly for debate.  True to
    his history, and despite his initial support for the
    agreement, Pacheco immediately began to waver.  Afraid of
    widespread strikes and mass demonstrations, Pacheco has for
    the past year looked for any opportunity to postpone sending
    CAFTA-DR to the legislative assembly for approval.

    ¶4. (SBU) In April 2005, however, labor leaders went too far
    by targeting Oscar Arias, front-runner for president in next
    year's elections and an ardent CAFTA-DR supporter.  In their
    anti-CAFTA-DR zeal, labor leaders stated that they would not
    recognize an Arias victory at the polls (Reftel B).  This
    message did not resonate well a population proud of its
    democratic traditions, and ultimately backfired.  The
    unionists latest attempt (in May) to flood the streets with
    angry marchers failed, with small, disheartened groups that
    disappeared at the first sign of rain (Reftel C).  Recent
    polls show a majority of Costa Ricans support CAFTA-DR, and
    events have shown that those who don't support the deal have
    not been able to make good on their threats to "take it to
    the streets."

    ¶5. (SBU) With U.S. Congressional approval of CAFTA-DR and
    increasing pressure on President Abel Pacheco to present the
    treaty for Costa Rican legislative consideration, Costa
    Rica's labor organizations are struggling to find a role to
    play in the debate.  While the unions have never wavered in
    their opposition to CAFTA-DR, and continue to rail against it
    with every opportunity, the only person who appears to be
    really taking them seriously is President Pacheco.  It is
    difficult to say whether declining opposition to CAFTA-DR is
    due to an on-going backlash at the demagoguery of certain
    labor leaders, media fatigue, or to a growing understanding
    of globalization and a desire not to be left behind.
    Whatever the reason, as their audience dwindles, the labor
    organizations are struggling to regain their hold on the
    public's attention.

    --------------------------------------------- ------
    MISERY LOVES COMPANY: CA LABOR UNIONS MEET, REFOCUS
    --------------------------------------------- ------

    ¶5. (SBU) Given the context in which it was convened, many
    expected grand statements of solidarity to emerge from the
    July 12-13 conference of Central American labor leaders,
    organized by the Central American Common Labor Platform
    (PSCC) and held in San Jose.  However, the only sign that
    such a meeting even occurred was a single article in national
    daily newspaper "Prensa Libre," which detailed plans for a
    Central American Labor Summit in October, with others to
    follow through the end of the year.  Puzzled by the lack of
    public statements to emerge from the conference, Poloff
    contacted Edgar Morales, deputy secretary general of ANEP.
    According to Morales, the chief purpose of the July
    conference was simply to lay the groundwork for the October
    summit.  He stated that the October meeting would include not
    just regional labor leaders, but industry and political
    invitees as well.  While CAFTA-DR is an intended topic of
    discussion, Morales stated that the principal theme will be
    twenty years of unfair labor practices in all the Central
    American countries.  Also on the agenda are free trade
    policies in general, workers' rights, and International Labor
    Organization (ILO) conventions and their implementation.

    ¶6. (SBU) Predictably, union leaders have responded to U.S.
    Congressional approval of CAFTA-DR with dismay and promises
    to continue fighting the good fight.  In a conversation with
    Poloff, Rodrigo Aguilar, president of one of Costa Rica's
    largest labor organizations, the Rerum Novarum Workers'
    Confederation, expressed his hope that President Pacheco's
    "Commission of Eminent Persons" will recommend against
    implementation of CAFTA-DR.  Aguilar believes that Pacheco
    will resist pressure to send the treaty to the legislature
    until after the commission has rendered a decision; Aguilar
    concedes, however, that no one has yet been able to
    accurately predict what Pacheco will do.  According to
    Aguilar, leaders of all Costa Rica's major labor
    organizations will be convening on Tuesday, August 2, to
    discuss strategy, and will release details to the public
    sometime after August 3.  Albino Vargas, head of ANEP, told
    the press that regardless of Congressional approval of
    CAFTA-DR, his organization would continue its fight against
    the treaty.  Both Vargas and Aguilar reiterated their
    commitment to organize large demonstrations upon the
    agreement's presentation to the Legislative Assembly.

    -------
    COMMENT
    -------

    ¶7. (SBU) Now that the U.S. Congress has blessed CAFTA-DR,
    President Pacheco will be under increasing pressure to
    present it to the Legislative Assembly.  Even if Pacheco
    decides not to act, the February 2006 elections will serve as
    a public referendum on CAFTA-DR, in which case the unions'
    successful intimidation of Pacheco could backfire on them.
    Oscar Arias has already signaled his intention to fight for
    adoption of CAFTA-DR, and if he wins convincingly, he will
    certainly follow through with his plan to present the treaty
    for legislative approval.  With adoption and implementation
    growing more likely, the unions have to make a decision:
    continue to kick against the tide of globalization and free
    trade, or work constructively with the government to have a
    hand in equitable implementation.
    KAPLAN

`