21 Dec 2018 | 06:29 AM UTC
Chile: Nationwide rallies in support of striking port workers Dec. 21 /update 2
Various labor organizations plan rallies in Santiago and Concepción in support of striking port workers on December 21
Event
Rallies in support of striking port workers in the city of Valparaíso are scheduled to be held in Santiago and Concepción on Friday, December 21, at 18:30 (local time). The demonstration in Santiago is being held at Plaza de Armas and the Concepción rally will take place at Plaza Tribunales de Justicia. Associated protests are also possible in other major urban areas across the country. Localized traffic disruptions and a heightened security presence is expected around all protest sites.
Context
Port workers held a protest march in the port district of Valparaíso (Valparaíso region) on December 19 after security forces fired tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators in the city the previous day. The port workers launched a strike in mid-November to demand better working conditions. The strike and related protests have reportedly spread to other cities such as in Iquique, Antofagasta, San Antonio, and Puerto Montt.
Advice
Individuals in Santiago and Concepción, and Chile more generally, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, anticipate localized transportation disruptions surrounding demonstration sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
