Guatemalan Labor Court Imposes Fines on STEG Leaders, Case Sent to Public Ministry

GUATEMALA CITY - The Fifth Pluripersonal Labor and Social Security Court of the Department of Guatemala has moved to impose fines on leaders of the Guatemalan Education Workers' Union (STEG) and refer their case to the Public Ministry (MP). The Attorney General's Office (PGN) confirmed on Friday, June 27, that it was notified of the court's resolution. The court's decision stems from the STEG leaders' non-compliance with a sentence issued on June 26. The resolution specifically targets the National Executive Committee of STEG, as well as its sectional and sub-sectional leaders. The Public Ministry is expected to take appropriate measures following the referral. The PGN also requested a list of exact names of the committee members and other STEG leaders from the Ministry of Education to facilitate the imposition of fines. Julio Saavedra, head of the PGN, explained that the competent judge, upon receiving the requested report from the STEG Executive Committee, has the authority to apply measures to ensure compliance with the resolution. These measures could include the deployment of public forces, the initiation of legal proceedings, and even the dismissal of teachers who fail to comply with the court's order. Adrián Zapata, a political analyst and columnist, described the government's actions to counter irregularities in the collective pact as positive. However, he expressed opposition to changes in the Penal Code that criminalize union action.