Colombia: General strike and marches on May 23

Event

The Central Union of Workers (Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Colombia, CUT) and other trade unions have called for a national strike to take place on Tuesday, May 23, to demand better wages and collective bargaining for public sector workers. CUT's secretary general announced that a march is scheduled to take place in the capital Bogotá beginning at 09:00 (local time); demonstrators will set out from Parque Nacional and other meeting points and coverge on Plaza de Bolívar. Marches in the country's main regional cities are also expected. The marches will likely remain non-violent but clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out. Some traffic disruptions may occur.

The unions have voiced their support for the ongoing general strike and protests in Buenaventura and Chocó.

Context

On May 16, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in anti-government protests, following a failed round of negotiations between education sector workers and the government over wage increases and improved working conditions. Teachers have been on strike for nearly two weeks.

Advice

Individuals present in Colombia are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.