Strikes and Blockades Mark a Week of Turmoil in Bolivia

La Paz, May 12 (Prensa Latina) Strikes, blockades and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officials marked on Saturday one week of political and social upheaval in Bolivia, although some of the conflicts seem to come to an end.

The week began with a total stoppage of public transport drivers in the capital, in disagreement with the Municipal Transportation Act, enacted on April 18 by the Mayoralty.

For two days, the main streets and avenues of the city were blocked by thousands of vehicles, making it necessary to suspend classes and other services, while employers reported losses of more than $ 10 million.

During the blockades were reported clashes between neighbors and drivers, which were attacked with sticks and stones with wounded in one and another side.

While the strike lasted, drivers and authorities never reached a dialogue and only on Friday agreed to allow check points of the Act and avoid protests.

On Wednesday the Bolivian Workers Union began a general strike intended to demand the repeal of Supreme Decree 1126, which replaces the eight hours of work for the health sector, along with a demand for wage increase.

In Cochabamba, the third largest city in Bolivia, besides the marches of Workers Union and doctors on strike, there was a walk in favour of the government of Evo Morales and the process of change.

sgl/abo/Rmh/hm

Modificado el ( sábado, 12 de mayo de 2012 )