Bolivia: Public healthcare workers striking and protesting in multiple regions through April 9

Event

Public healthcare workers are holding a 48-hour strike and associated protests in several departments through April 9. Affected departments include La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and Potosi. Protesters erected roadblocks on the highway between La Paz and El Alto April 7, and stated they will protest throughout La Paz April 8. Minor clashes were reported between protesters and motorists on affected roads April 7. Striking groups include the Confederation of Public Health Workers and the Federation of Medical Unions and Related Branches of Social Security (Federacion de Sindicatos Medicos y Ramas Afines de Seguridad Social, FESIMRAS). The strike and protests are due to labor-related grievances.

Police will likely deploy to monitor all large gatherings. Gatherings are likely along major routes, outside government buildings, and possibly at prominent public squares. Further roadblocks could affect national highways 1 and 3 between La Paz and El Alto. Strikes and demonstrations may persist beyond April 9 if authorities do not address the protesters' demands. Clashes are possible, particularly if demonstrators do not disperse when ordered to do so by authorities. Wait times at some healthcare facilities might be longer than usual due to the strike.

Advice

Avoid any protests that materialize as a precaution. Allow for additional travel time in the abovementioned departments through April 9. Reconfirm the status of road travel through April 9. Heed the instructions of security force personnel. Do not attempt to drive through protester roadblocks; wait for authorities to clear all blockages. Plan for delays at healthcare facilities.