Peru: Striking teachers block roads to Lima August 30 /update 7

Event

Thousands of striking teachers erected roadblocks on major routes to Lima on Wednesday, August 30. Teachers blocked the central highway, connecting the city with the central Andean region, and the parallel railroad, as well as parts of the Pan-American Highway. Strikers also marched to Plaza San Martín in Lima, the scene of daily protests, despite negotiations between protest leaders and the Ministry of Education earlier this week.

In an attempt to appease teachers and convince them to return to work, the government raised the minimum monthly salary to PEN 2000 (USD 617); however, unions continue to demand PEN 4500 (USD 1390). The strike is likely to continue into the near future as protest leaders demand the government annulment of a provision that dismisses teachers who underperform during official review. Related demonstrations in Lima and other cities are also likely in the coming weeks.

Context

The national teacher strike began on June 15, with teachers demanding salary increases, free public education, family death and mourning benefits, and immunity from teacher dismissal and salary deductions for striking. Instances of violence were reported at some protests and the Peruvian Ministry of the Interior has deployed police forces to protect schools, pupils, and teachers returning to work. The strike has continued in 19 regions: Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martín, Tumbes, and Ucayali. Approximately 43.8 percent of the country’s 8 million public school students are affected.

Generally, protests and strikes are relatively common in Peru. While most demonstrations remain peaceful, violence can break out with little to no warning. Major protest activity can cause significant disruptions to daily life and travel due to roadblocks, including in areas popular with tourists.

Advice

Individuals present in Peru are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution, and to anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of any demonstrations.