BOLIVIA: Strike over pay sparks violence

Record ID: 339588

  • Title: BOLIVIA: Strike over pay sparks violence
  • Date: 5th May 2010
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF LA PAZ HOSPITAL CLOSED BECAUSE OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS STRIKING VARIOUS OF SCHOOLS CLOSED BECAUSE OF TEACHERS STRIKING WORKERS AFTER CLASHING WITH POLICE DETAINED WORKER BEING ESCORTED BY POLICE POLICE VEHICLE TAKING AWAY ARRESTED PROTESTERS VARIOUS OF WORKERS DEMONSTRATING THROUGH THE STREETS OF LA PAZ SHOUTING "ARCE (REFERRING TO TREASURY MINISTER LUIS ARC
  • Embargoed: 20th May 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Employment
  • Reuters ID: LVA29M16E1SPGZL763FVHHWJMZGT
  • Story Text: Bolivia's first national strike against the left-wing government of President Evo Morales on Tuesday (May 4) sparked some disturbances, resulting in one injury and 15 arrests.
    The incidents occurred when hundreds of factory workers clashed with police who were guarding public offices in the center of La Paz. Many regard Tuesday's strike as the most serious union uprising against the government's social policies since Morales took office four years ago.
    Tuesday's strike was organized by the Bolivian Worker Union to call for a greater salary increase than the five percent raise Morales ordered last week.
    Adelio Sunha represents factory workers and said the increase is not enough.
    "We want Morales to listen to us. The reality is that we cannot live on 647 bolivianos (monthly). Now, 679 ($96 US monthly)," he said.
    Health care worker Carmen Laura Cruz is angry at the government for what she sees as misplaced priorities.
    "Sugar has risen five bolivianos. We cannot accept that the government makes a joke of the workers. However, it has money to buy planes," she said.
    One of the day's most serious incidents occurred when demonstrators threw small firecrackers and Molotov cocktails at the Labor Ministry. Authorities said one person was injured and 15 arrested as a result.
    Some workers have gone on a multi-day hunger strike to show their displeasure.
    Some hospitals, schools and small factories were closed as a result of the strike, but the oil and mining industries, transportation, airlines, banks and public offices operated normally.
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