30 Aug 2020 | 04:07 PM UTC
Chile: Truck drivers announce nationwide strike will continue indefinitely August 29 /update 1
Truck drivers to continue nationwide strike indefinitely as they reject government’s proposals on August 29; avoid all associated protests as precaution
Event
The National Confederation of Cargo Transport of Chile (CNTC) announced on Saturday, August 29, that strikes will carry on as action proposed by the government against a recent increase in attacks against truck drivers is not deemed sufficient. The CNTC indicated that they will make a counterproposal with more specific demands and that the current nationwide strike remains indefinite. Meanwhile, the truck drivers declared that they will block the passage of roads and highways for all cargo and services which are not considered essential.
A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in the vicinity of any protest site, along with disruptions to overland travel.
Context
On Sunday, August 23, Chile's truck drivers had called for nationwide strike action that started on Thursday, August 27, due to a perceived lack of response from the federal government amid an increase in robberies and attacks on trucks in recent months. The strike was called after a nine-year-old girl was hospitalized with a gunshot wound after an attack on her father's cement truck. Police have launched an investigation but have yet to identify suspects.
Advice
Those in Chile are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
