Uruguay: Unions plan protests, nationwide strikes, June 9

Event

The National Union of Metalworkers and Allied Branches (Union Nacional de Trabajadores del Metal y Ramas Afines, UNTMRA) and the Workers' Federation of the Dairy Industry (Federacion de Trabajadores de la Industria Lactea, FTIL), plan to hold protests in Montevideo, and a four-hour nationwide strike between 09:00-13:00, June 9.

Members of UNTMRA plan to gather at the intersection of Libertador and Uruguay avenues, starting at 09:00, and from there march to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mines. They are protesting the recent closure of the Cinter-Aperam plant, and the loss of dozens of jobs in their sector.

Members of FTIL plan to gather at the intersection of Libertador and Paysandu avenues, starting at 09:00, and from there march to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. They are demanding salary increases and more permanent jobs in their industry.

Both organizations are planning a nationwide four-hour strike from 09:00-13:00 June 7.

The protests will likely lead to some transport and business disruption in Montevideo on June 7; heightened security is likely around the impacted government buildings. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Comply with all directives given by authorities. Plan for travel disruptions in Montevideo June 9.