- 07 Sep 2026

Essity‘s gradual transfer of tissue production from its Medellín plant to Cajicá continues to fuel conflict with union Sinaltrafamilia, with talks still unresolved more than a month after the dispute began. According to Essity — formerly Grupo Familia — the move is part of a wider reassessment of its consumer tissue manufacturing network in Colombia. Production lines are being shifted to Cajicá in stages, though the company says it will keep operating nationally and continue meeting supply commitments.

Union president Alexánder Gómez says workers aren’t opposed to relocation in principle but want guarantees on job stability, particularly for staff with health conditions, family responsibilities, or union protection status. He alleges Essity has used a contractual relocation clause to warn that refusal could mean dismissal for just cause, and the union has asked Colombia’s Labour Ministry to intervene. A further negotiation round in early August reportedly included officials noting Essity lacked the authorizations required to formally terminate some workers.

Unionised employees have maintained a work stoppage since July 17, camped at the plant’s gate on Autopista Sur. Their numbers there have dwindled — from around 80 to roughly 59 by late August according to the unions— as more staff accepted severance or transfer terms amid what the union describes as sustained individual pressure, including documents sent to employees’ homes.

Essity maintains that most workers have reached mutual agreements, with some transferring to Cajicá and others remaining during the transition, and that it will not disclose transfer or separation figures while talks continue with remaining staff. It points to Employee Assistance programmes offering training and job-placement support.

Beyond the workforce, the Medellín plant is where the Familia brand originated in 1958,



and local recycled-cardboard suppliers reportedly face falling demand as sourcing shifts. No official closure date has been confirmed.

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📌 Essity’s Colombia plant relocation fuels ongoing labour dispute
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