Bolivia: Transportation workers to hold 24-hour nationwide strike Jan. 12

Event

Transport workers affiliated with the Bolivia Professional Drivers Confederation (La Confederacion de Choferes de Bolivia) plan to stage a 24-hour nationwide strike Jan. 12 to protest alleged government mismanagement with regard to a bank loan payment deferral program. Striking drivers plan to disrupt traffic by blocking roads in a number of locations nationwide as part of the labor action. Although organizers have announced no specific plans to do so, demonstrations could also take place in prominent city squares or near government buildings in major urban areas. Thousands of transport workers could take part in the action. The National Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises has announced that it will join the strike and assist with the roadblocks.

Police will probably deploy to monitor any large protests and to enforce coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions on public gatherings and movements. Clashes are possible if police attempt to disperse demonstrators that disobey orders to disband.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in the nearest secure location. Consider alternate methods for shipping critical freights on Jan. 12.