Peru: Strike and protests underway in Cusco Department through April 19

Event

As of April 18, civil society organizations and unions representing workers in several different sectors have launched a 48-hour strike across Cusco Department through April 19. The strike includes agricultural workers, who have blocked some roads, and workers in the region's large tourism and hospitality sector, who are holding street demonstrations that are likely to cause business and transport disruptions.

While protests are possible throughout the department, they are likely to be largest in the city of Cusco. In addition to blocking roads, striking workers may disrupt train service between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the most visited tourist site in the department. Clashes between demonstrators and police are possible, especially if security forces attempt to forcibly disperse protesters and reopen roads.

Context

The striking workers have issued a broad set of demands, including that the government reduce inflation, implement agrarian reform, fight corruption, and revise government contracts with private companies. While Prime Minister Anibal Torres is scheduled to meet with representatives of the strikers April 18, he is unlikely to satisfy protest leaders on such a broad array of demands, and the protests will likely continue through April 19.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a nongovernmental building. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for police to dismantle them instead. Reconfirm business meetings and travel arrangements. Heed the instructions of security personnel.