Bolivian Workers' Center

Infobox Union|
name= COB
country= Bolivia
affiliation= WFTU
members=
full_name= Bolivian Workers' Union
native_name= Central Obrera Boliviana


founded=
current=
head=
dissolved_date=
dissolved_state=
merged_into=
office= La Paz, Bolivia
people= Pedro Montes, executive secretary
Oscar Salas Moya, general secretary
website=
footnotes=

The Bolivian Workers' Center (Spanish: "Central Obrera Boliviana", COB) is the chief trade union federation in Bolivia. It was founded in 1952 following the national revolution that brought the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement to power. The most important affiliate of the COB was the Union Federation of Bolivian Mine Workers (FSTMB). From 1952 to 1987, the COB was led by the legendary Juan Lechín, who was also head of the FSTMB.

Traditionally a demanding, confrontational organization, the COB has had a difficult relationship with every Bolivian president since the 1950s. More recently, it played a significant role in the series of demonstrations that brought down President Carlos Mesa (2005). The COB currently supports nationalization of the natural gas reserves and opposed water privatization during the 2000 Cochabamba protests.

The COB represents about 2 million Bolivian workers, bringing together workers from various branches of industry and public services as well as consultation with many peasants' and indigenous leaders, such as Felipe Quispe. The current Executive Secretary of the COB is Pedro Montes, a miner.

External links

* [http://www.internationalviewpoint.org/article.php3?id_article=940 Interview with Jaime Solares] , former executive secretary (in English)