The Movement of Campesino Workers (MTC)

The Movement of Campesino Workers (MTC) is an entity of the Social Pastoral Office of the Diocese of San Marcos, which consists of associations of campesino communities working to defend their labour rights. In particular, we accompany Julio Archila, founder of the MTC.

Currently: In the month of March 2007 we accompanied Julio and his son when theysigned in front of a judge, and we remain in contact with MTC's technical support team.

Background: Since the beginning of November 2005, Julio Archila, a member of the MTC, has suffered variousforms of intimidation and threats directed against him and his family. Apparently his security problems are relatedto the support the MTC gives to the campesinos that are engaged in protest on the Las Delicias estate, SanMarcos. On 4th November 2005, police arrested Julio, accusing him of stealing coffee. He was brought before thejudge and, on not finding any proof of the accusations, he was freed. Since then there have been other acts ofintimidation and threats made against Julio Archila and members of his family, as well as other campesino leadersinvolved in labour conflicts between campesinos and estate owners. Recently, an arrest warrant was issuedagainst Julio Archila and his son Antonio for having transported coffee from the Las Delicias estate in November2005. The arrest warrants were substituted for other measures while the investigation continues.