US Labor Department announces $1.5 million in funding to strengthen labor rights in Colombia, solicits applicants for one or more grants

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs is seeking eligible applicants under a $1.5 million competitive grant solicitation to develop centers for workers' rights in Colombia.

As part of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, the two countries entered into a comprehensive action plan on labor rights that laid the groundwork for significant labor rights improvements in Colombia. Colombia committed to protect internationally recognized labor rights, prevent violence against labor leaders and prosecute perpetrators of violence.

The Labor Department's grant(s) will fund one or more projects that build on work already begun by Colombia to increase public awareness of labor rights, and improve workers' ability to protect and claim their rights. Funding will be awarded to one or more qualifying agencies to improve the capacity of local organizations to educate and advise workers on the scope and application of relevant labor laws and, when necessary, to provide legal services regarding the requirements under which workers are allowed to exercise their rights.

Applications must be submitted by Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. EST electronically via http://www.grants.gov or as hard copies mailed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Procurement Services, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Room S-4307, Washington, DC 20210, Attention: Brenda White and James Kinslow.

All awards will be made by Dec. 31. The solicitation for grant applications (SGA 12-16) is available online at http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/grants/main.htm and http://www.grants.gov.