Chile: Unions to hold nationwide strike April 30

Event

Workers affiliated with several unions, including the Workers' United Center (Central Unica de Trabajadores, CUT), plan to hold a strike April 30 to protest the national government's economic policies.

The strike is likely to impact basic services, including government offices, transport, and nonemergency services in health centers. There is a possibility of nationwide protests. Participants may protest outside government offices, hospitals and health facilities, or other common rally points nationwide. In the capital, Santiago, these include Plaza Baquedano (also known as Plaza Italia or Plaza de la Dignidad) and Palacio La Moneda, where health workers have previously held anti-government protests.

Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor all large gatherings which are likely to cause localized traffic disruptions. Security forces may seek to disperse protesters who disobey COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing measures, and low-level clashes between police and protesters are possible. The protests have the potential to be highly disruptive.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution. Plan for localized traffic disruptions in urban centers, though especially in Santiago April 30.